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What are the symptoms of Lupus?

Symptoms are different in each person (according to which tissues or parts of the body are being attacked). Symptoms also vary in each individual according to how active the disease is. During a 'flare-up' symptoms get worse.

By moving the mouse cursor over the diagram below, you will see what kind of symptoms people with lupus experience. Also each part of the person in the diagram below is linked to the relevant symptom.

Legs (Inflamation of joints)Arm (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)Arm (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)Arm (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)Arm (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)Body (From Skin rashes to Kidney damage)Head (Skin Rashes)Body (From Skin rashes to Kidney damage)Head (Skin Rashes)Anogenital Regionfeet (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)Legs (Inflamation of joints)feet (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)Anogenital Regionhand (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)hand (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)hand (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)hand (From Skin rashes to Inflamation of joints)

 

Most people will experience some of the following.

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Fatigue

This often affects people more than any other symptom of Lupus. Because it is not an obvious sign, those around you might find your fatigue difficult to accept and deal with. It is important that you learn to pace yourself (learn how much you can and can't do comfortably) and recognise the need to have regular rest periods throughout the day.

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Skin rashes

These can be all over but are often on the face or other light exposed skin, ranging from a mild redness to an obvious thick rash. Rashes are worse when you have been in the sun so use a good sunscreen (high factor - above 25), and avoid the sun when it is particularly strong (10am - 3pm and at high altitude). Wearing long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat will also help protect you against the sun. Face Rashes

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Arthritis & Rashes

Inflammation in the joints rarely causes joint damage but is painful and often causes stiffness. The joints tend to swell less than other diseases The pain tends to jump around from one joint to the other with the hands, knees and feet being most commonly affected.

Below you will see more pictures demonstrating inflammation of joints and the rashes described previously:
Main Symptoms

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Hair loss

Some people occasionally have some degree of hair loss. This may be patchy or generatised. It is usually only temporary and hair does tend to grow back (If there is a scarring rash in the scalp associated with the hair loss it is important to get treatment before permanent hair loss can occur).

How to cope with hair loss

  1. Let your hairdresser know how concerned you are about hair loss.
  2. Consider a shorter style that requires less maintenance.
  3. Long hair can put weight and stress on the hair root.
  4. Avoid strong chemicals such as hair dyes, sprays and perming as they can damage hair, and provoke a flare.
  5. Notice dandruff, scaling, or a rash on the scalp? Discuss with your specialist.
  6. Use brushes with rounded rubber tips, and combs with wide teeth.
  7. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner. Try baby shampoo.
  8. Avoid handling wet hair as much as possible. Comb tangles out starting from the end of the hair and working up.
  9. Air dry your hair, or use a low setting on the blow dryer.
  10. Avoid sleeping in hair rollers.
  11. Avoid curling irons and hot rollers.
  12. Avoid brush rollers, and bands and clips; all can pull on the hair and cause breakage.

Tips:

  1. A woman's hair is her crowning glory, but why not experiment with hats?
  2. These measures are good for prevention, even if you haven't been troubled with hair loss.
  3. Let your doctor know about the hair loss, because it may suggest your disease is becoming more active in general.

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Kidney damage

This is rare in mild Lupus and can be treated successfully with the early detection and regular monitoring of the kidneys, by urine and blood tests. It is essential to have these test regularly and your blood pressure checked as this is controlled by the kidneys. You cannot feel kidney inflammation unless there is a infection, so do not assume nothing is wrong just because you are not in pain.

Even when the pain is present in the kidney region, it may be due to other causes e.g. Muscle pain.

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Depression

A long-term disease can get anyone down and Lupus is no exception. Depression can also occur as a result of the nervous system being involved during a flare up.

Patients are considered to be "Clinically Depressed" when they have a depressed mood, disturbances in sleep and appetite. While there are many symptoms associated with "Clinical Depression", there are seven which indicate the depth and degree of Depression.

These are:

  1. sense of failure
  2. loss of social interest
  3. sense of punishment
  4. suicidal thoughts
  5. dissatisfaction
  6. indecision
  7. and crying.