Lupus - Symptoms of lupus

Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can vary widely from person to person. Some people may only experience a few mild symptoms, whereas others may be more severely affected.

Even if you usually have mild symptoms, SLE can "flare-up", with symptoms becoming more severe or new symptoms developing.

Main symptoms

The three main symptoms of SLE are fatigue, joint pain and rashes.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of SLE. You may feel very tired even though you get plenty of sleep. Carrying out everyday tasks, such as housework or office work, can leave you feeling exhausted.

Many people with SLE find that fatigue is the most distressing and disruptive aspect of SLE because it has a negative impact on their work and social life.

Joint pain

If you have SLE, you are likely to experience joint pain in your hands and feet. You may find the pain changes from one set of joints to another quite quickly, and is usually worse in the morning.

Unlike some other conditions that affect the joints, SLE is unlikely to cause your joints to become permanently damaged or deformed.

Rashes

Many people with SLE develop rashes on their skin – most commonly on the face, wrists and hands. A rash over the cheeks and the bridge of the nose is particularly common and is known as a "butterfly rash" or "malar rash".

Rashes caused by SLE may get better after a few days or weeks, but can last longer or even be permanent.

Rashes caused by SLE can sometimes be itchy or painful, and they may get worse if they are exposed to sunlight. This is known as "photosensitivity".

Other symptoms

SLE can also cause a wide range of symptoms. However, you're unlikely to have all of the symptoms listed below, and many people with the condition will only experience the main symptoms.

Other features of SLE may include:

a fever (high temperature)
swollen lymph glands (small glands found throughout your body, including in your neck, armpits and groin)
recurring mouth ulcers
hair loss (alopecia)
high blood pressure (hypertension)
headaches and migraines
stomach (abdominal) pain
chest pain
depression
dry eyes
memory loss
seizures (fits)
problems thinking clearly and difficulty telling the difference between reality and imagination (psychosis)
shortness of breath
Raynaud's phenomenon – a condition that limits the blood supply to your hands and feet when it is cold
ankle swelling and fluid retention (oedema)

When to seek medical advice

You should see your GP if you have persistent or troublesome symptoms that you think could be caused by SLE.

While it is likely that your symptoms are being caused by a more common condition, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.