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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Photograph showing red, butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks Lupus facial rash

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flares — when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. But, in general, lupus signs and symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
  • Butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose
  • Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
  • Mouth sores
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Easy bruising
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Memory loss

When to see a doctor
If you develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching or fatigue, see your doctor.

If you've already been diagnosed with lupus, meet with your doctor on a regular basis so that your condition and treatment can be monitored. Make an appointment with your doctor if new symptoms arise.

Causes Definition
References
  1. Lupus: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. http://www.womenshealth.gov/FAQ/lupus.cfm. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  2. Schur PH, et al. Overview of the therapy and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  3. Tassiulas LO, et al. Clinical Features and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154314781-10/0/1807/557.html?tocnode=55733251&fromURL=557.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10075-0_2714. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  4. What causes lupus? Lupus Foundation. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnunderstanding.aspx?articleid=2233&zoneid=523. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  5. Arthritis types - Overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ARTHRITIS/arthritis/lupus.htm. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  6. Schur PH, et al. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  7. Crow MK. Systemic lupus erythematosus. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/153983706-6/874640406/1492/1029.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50292-5--cesec51_12990. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  8. Schur PH, et al. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  9. Handout on health: Systemic lupus erythematosus. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  10. Living with lupus. Lupus Foundation of America. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty.aspx?articleid=381&zoneid=76. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  11. Omega-3 supplements: An introduction. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.htm. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  12. Depression. Lupus Foundation of America. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutindividualized.aspx?articleid=92&zoneid=18. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  13. Appel GB, et al. Secondary glomerular disease. In: Brenner BM, et al. Brenner and Rector's the Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50033-5&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50033-5--cesec12&uniq=154314781&isbn=978-1-4160-3105-5&sid=875062230. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
  14. The renal (kidney) system. Lupus Foundation of America. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnaffects.aspx?articleid=2297&zoneid=526. Accessed Aug. 20, 2009.
  15. Bernatsky S. Mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2006;54:2550.
  16. Ferri F. Systemic lupus erythematosus. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-4/877420981/1701/572.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50022-7--subchapter46_12136. Accessed Aug. 20, 2009.
  17. Infections and immunizations. Lupus Foundation of America. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutliving.aspx?a=93&z=16&page=2.com. Accessed Aug. 20, 2009.
  18. Lupus research institute highly encouraged by Benlysta trial results. Lupus Research Institute. http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/node/593. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
  19. Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 1, 2009.

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