Overview
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune condition that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your organs and tissues. The inflammation caused by lupus can impact many different body orders – including your joints, skin, blood cells, heart, brain, lungs and other organs.
Lupus can be challenging to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus – a facial redness that resembles the wings of a butterfly across both cheeks – in many but not all cases of lupus.
Some people are born with a tendency to develop lupus, which can also be caused by infection, some medications or sunlight. While there is no cure for lupus, treatment can help control symptoms.
Symptoms
No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild diseases that are characterized by episodes – when the signs and symptoms worsen for a while, improve or completely disappear for some time.
The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which systems of the body are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that comprises the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes outside on the body.
- Skin lesions that are exposed to sunlight or worsen (photosensitivity)
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue during cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in chest
- Dry eyes
- Headache, confusion and memory loss
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent pain, or fatigue.