Lupus is a disease that can affect different parts of the body, and its signs and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. However, some common signs and symptoms of lupus include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Memory problems
- Mouth or nose sores
- Hair loss
- Chest pain when breathing deeply
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Kidney problems
- Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress, known as Raynauds disease
- Arthritis
It is important to note that not everyone with lupus will experience all of these symptoms, and some people may only have a few of them. Additionally, lupus symptoms usually come and go in waves called flare-ups, and during a flare-up, the symptoms can be severe enough to affect daily routine. If someone experiences any of these symptoms, they should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
