Symptoms of Lupus Erythematosus

The cause of lupus is not fully understood, although some scientists and doctors believe that one's genetic makeup may lead to a predisposition to lupus. Those who recognize symptoms of lupus are encouraged to seek medical advice immediately for diagnosis. In many cases, the symptoms of lupus are similar to other conditions or diseases.

Symptoms on the Skin

Patients who suffer from lupus may experience various symptoms that affect their skin. In fact, discoid lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that affects only the skin, although it may develop into the more common and more serious systemic lupus erythematosus. Common symptoms of the skin include a rash that appears on the face across the cheeks and nose (shape of a butterfly), skin lesions that worsen after sun exposure, mouth sores and hair loss.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a common symptom associated with lupus. This may lead to stiffness, swelling and joint pain.

Other Common Symptoms

Patients may also experience fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, shortness of breath, chest pain and dry eyes. Patients may also experience anxiety, depression and/or memory loss as a result of lupus. Some patients may notice that their fingers and toes turn white or blue when they are cold or when they are stressed. Patients may also notice that they bruise easily. More severe cases of lupus may cause kidney, lung, heart or nervous system problems that may require serious treatment. Talk to your doctor for more information about lupus and which symptoms you should recognize.