Lupus Symptoms
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead.
People with lupus can experience a range of symptoms — and no two people with lupus experience it the same way.
Common signs and symptoms of lupus
The most common lupus symptoms (which are the same for men and women) are:
- Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
- Pain or swelling in the joints
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Headaches
- Low fevers
- Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light
- Chest pain when breathing deeply
Many people with lupus also have problems that affect their skin and hair, like:
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
- Hair loss
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue and feeling numb when a person is cold or stressed (Raynaud’s Disease)
Keep in mind that lupus symptoms can come and go, and they can also change over time. And because lupus can affect any part of the body, it can cause many different signs and symptoms — including less common ones, like seizures or trouble balancing.
Lupus symptoms may come and go — and they can change over time.
What Should I do if I Think Lupus is Causing my Symptoms?
Having symptoms of lupus doesn’t always mean that you actually have lupus. Other medical conditions can have the same symptoms, and some medicines can also cause side effects that are similar to lupus symptoms. So if you think you might have lupus or have lupus symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can help you find out if your symptoms are caused by lupus or something else.
To help your doctor get a full picture of your symptoms and health, it’s a good idea to keep a symptom log. Use a notebook, your phone, or this symptom checklist to keep track of any symptoms you experience. Write down:
- When the symptom started
- How long the symptom lasts
- How much the symptom bothers you
When you visit your doctor, bring your symptom log and ask them to review it with you. And be sure to let them know if you have any new symptoms — or if your existing symptoms get worse.
The more your doctor knows about your symptoms and overall health, the easier it will be for them to determine if lupus is the cause. And if you do have lupus, continuing to keep track of your symptoms after you’re diagnosed can help you and your doctor notice if your lupus is changing.
It’s important to know that lupus is a challenging disease to diagnose. For many people, it takes a long time to get a formal lupus diagnosis. But don’t give up. Keep track of your symptoms over time, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to check for lupus more than once. You can also ask your doctor to refer you to a rheumatologist — a type of doctor who specializes in conditions like lupus.
What can I do to Help Manage my Lupus Symptoms?
Lupus symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life. People with lupus generally experience lupus flares (periods when their symptoms get worse) followed by remissions (periods when their symptoms improve and they feel better). And your symptoms may come and go or change over time, too.
There are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and live well with lupus. You can:
- Talk with your doctor about treatments for lupus and work with them to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you
- Keep track of your symptoms and check in with your doctor regularly about how you’re feeling
- Identify and try to avoid your lupus triggers to help prevent lupus flares
If you’re having a hard time managing lupus, it might help to talk with other people who have lupus. Joining a lupus support group can help you connect with others who might be going through similar things and learn about how they manage lupus.
It’s also important to take care of your mental health when you have lupus. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional about how you’re feeling. They can offer support and help you manage the mental health impacts of lupus.
Learn More About Lupus
Explore these resources to learn more about lupus:
Could It Be Lupus?
If you're wondering "do I have lupus", answer these questions to find out if you have common lupus symptoms, or watch this video for a quick symptom overview:
Our health educators are available to answer your questions and give you the help you need.