Top 10 Symptoms of Lupus

Because the symptoms of lupus are not the same in all patients, this is a notoriously difficult disease to diagnose. In some cases, mild symptoms like mouth sores and moderate pain can go on for years before testing for lupus is suggested by a doctor. However, most people are able to tell when something just isn’t right, health-wise. Here are the 10 most commonly occurring lupus symptoms.

1. Rashes – This is one of the most deceptive symptoms of lupus, simply because rashes can occur for no apparent reason. Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, but lupus sufferers usually have them on the face. The lupus butterfly rash was given it’s name because of it’s distinctive red coloring and shape. 

2. Fatigue – When lupus in children is diagnosed, it usually happens after lengthy period of fatigue. While you may feel that your child is just exaggerating, this could actually be one of the telltale signs of lupus.

3. Excessive leg swelling – Also referred to as elephantitis or edema, swelling of the lower extremities may mean that you should be checked out for lupus. 

4. Hair loss – While not all lupus sufferers are men, when women lose a significant amount of hair on the head, this usually means that something is amiss. If you have systemic lupus erythematosus, you may experience hair thinning and hair loss. 

5. Seizures – If you are not epileptic, there is simply no reason that you should be having seizures. This is another sign of lupus.

6. High fever – Unless you have the flu or another viral illness, your temperature should not be significantly elevated.

7. Sunlight sensitivity – Having blurred vision while out during daytime hours, becoming agitated or otherwise sensitive to sunlight may be a drug related side effect, or one of the symptoms of lupus. 

8. Respiratory issues – Other lupus symptoms include chest pains, trouble taking deep breaths, chest pain and bouts of coughing.

9. Stiff joints – Your joints may become stiff and rigid if you have lupus. If you cannot flex your joints without pain, go to a doctor right away.

10. Headache – Experiencing a headache that just won’t go away might mean that something is wrong. These symptoms of lupus don’t always lead to a positive diagnosis, but it is better to be safe.