Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body. The symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may come and go, and new symptoms may develop over time. The most 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
• Behavior changes
• Vision problems
• Strokes or seizures
• Memory problems
• Difficulty expressing thoughts
• Reduced number of healthy red blood cells (anemia)
• Increased risk of bleeding or blood clotting
• Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Inflammation of the chest cavity lining, which can make breathing painful

Symptoms of lupus can affect various organs or systems in the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and ask questions. Even small changes in your symptoms or health can be a sign that lupus is affecting you differently.