Lupus affects each person differently, and symptoms vary depending on the type of lupus. Most people experience episodes of disease activity (flares) followed by periods with no symptoms.
Lupus can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms may come and go and can range from very mild to quite severe. While some symptoms might disappear and never return, others can be more constant.
Learn more about the early symptoms, common symptoms, and possible complications of lupus.
The symptoms of lupus typically start anywhere from your teens to your early 40s. The condition is most common in females.
Early symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- fever
- rashes, including a butterfly rash on your face
- swollen joints
- dry mouth or dry eyes
- hair loss, especially in patches, which is referred to as alopecia areata
- problems with your lungs, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract
These are similar to symptoms of other conditions, so experiencing them doesn’t necessarily mean that you have lupus. But it’s important to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss them.
Learn more about early lupus symptoms.
Depending on the type of lupus you have, the condition might affect different organs. There are four main types of lupus:
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is the most common type
- cutaneous lupus
- neonatal lupus
- drug-induced lupus (DIL)
SLE and DIL may affect several organs in your body. As a result, you may experience a wider range of symptoms with these lupus types. Cutaneous and neonatal lupus most commonly affect your skin. Neonatal lupus may also affect your heart.
Symptoms vary from person to person and in each type of lupus. In addition to the early symptoms listed above, the
- body aches or muscle pain
- joint pain and stiffness
- swollen glands
- skin lesions
- mouth ulcers
- shortness of breath
- digestive changes, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- unintentional weight loss
- Sjögren disease, which may cause chronic dry eyes and dry mouth
- pericarditis and pleuritis, which can cause chest pain
- headaches
- confusion
- memory loss
- sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity)
Lupus may cause a variety of skin rashes, including:
- A butterfly-shaped rash on your face: This is also known as a malar rash. It appears on the bridge of your nose and spreads out over your cheeks. Exposure to sunlight may increase your risk for this rash.
- A painless disc-shaped, red, scaly rash: This rash is typically about the size of a coin and might appear on your cheeks, nose, or ears. Once the rash fades, your skin may become discolored where the rash was. If the rash forms on your scalp, you might experience temporary or permanent hair loss.
- Ring-shaped, scaly red patches: This type of rash often forms on body parts that are exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about the effects of lupus on your skin.
Lupus and Raynaud’s phenomenon
Some people with lupus have Raynaud’s phenomenon. If you have this condition, your fingers and toes will turn two of the following three colors when you’re exposed to cold or experiencing stress:
- white or pale
- red
- blue or purple
People with lupus may be
- rash
- fatigue
- joint pain
- internal swelling
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection may help reduce your risk for symptoms. Wearing sun-protective clothing or a wide-brimmed hat can also help.
Learn more about lupus and photosensitivity.
Fatigue is one of the common symptoms of lupus. Older research suggests that
It’s unclear what causes fatigue in people with lupus, but the following factors may contribute:
- inadequate sleep
- low physical activity
- vitamin D deficiency
- obesity
- pain from lupus arthritis
- side effects of lupus medications
- comorbid conditions such as depression, anemia, and thyroid disease
As lupus progresses, inflammation can damage tissue and organs throughout your body, leading to additional symptoms.
Kidneys
Inflammation in your kidneys (lupus nephritis) can make it hard for them to filter waste and toxins from your body. Up to
Symptoms of kidney damage include:
- swelling (edema) of your legs, hands, or eyelids
- puffiness
- unexplained weight gain
- dark or foamy urine
Central nervous system
Lupus
Inflammation that occurs in your hearing nerve may result in hearing loss.
Heart
Lupus
Lungs and chest
Lupus
Joints
Arthritis
Lupus-related arthritis is due to the increased inflammation that lupus causes in your body.
Lupus can affect your blood and blood vessels, increasing your risk of having:
- a low number of healthy red blood cells (anemia)
- a low number of white blood cells (leukopenia)
- a low number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- bleeding
- blood clots
- hardening of your arteries
With lupus, you’re more prone to all types of infection, including:
- urinary tract infections
- respiratory infections
- salmonella infections
- yeast infections
- herpes
- shingles
There’s a risk of bone tissue death (avascular necrosis) if lupus affects the blood supply to your bones. Symptoms include bone fractures and breaks, especially in your hips.
You may also develop an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Additionally, lupus can affect pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, miscarriage, and premature delivery.
Sjögren disease
Some people with lupus develop another immune disorder called Sjögren disease, which affects your body’s moisture-producing glands. Symptoms include chronically dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjögren disease can also cause:
- swelling in your joints and glands
- dry skin
- vaginal dryness
- a dry cough
Lupus is a chronic disease with no known cure. However, there are many types of treatment to help manage your symptoms, depending on how lupus affects you.
You can discuss new and existing symptoms with your doctor. They can recommend treatments or lifestyle strategies that may help. With ongoing care, it’s possible to live a full, active life with lupus.
