Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ or body part and lasts for a long time. Your immune system attacks healthy cells, which causes pain, swelling, and damage. The Lupus Foundation of America says that about 5 million people worldwide have lupus, and women are nine times more likely than men to get it. Symptoms may come and go, which makes it hard to figure out what’s wrong. You may have flare-ups and then get better.

Surprising Symptoms Of Lupus

Vision Loss

The eyes may be hurt by lupus. Mutations in the skin of the eyelids, dry eyes, inflammation of the white layer on the outside of the eyeball, changes in the blood vessels in the retina, and nerve damage that affects how the eye moves and how well it sees are all possible.

The most common eye problem caused by lupus is damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This makes vision loss range from mild to severe. One to two percent of people with lupus may lose their sight quickly because of optic neuropathy.

Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome makes it hard for blood to get to the hands and feet (most commonly the fingers and toes). This could be caused by cold or stress.

When fingers or toes don’t get enough blood, they turn white, red, blue, or purple. One-third of people with lupus get Raynaud’s, which is usually caused by nerve or blood vessel irritation.

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Photosensitivity

It has been shown that ultraviolet (UV) rays make the symptoms of 40–70% of people with lupus worse and cause flare-ups. People with cutaneous and systemic lupus get rashes, fever, fatigue, and joint pain when they are sensitive to light.

The Lupus Foundation of America says that people with lupus should spend less time in the sun by wearing clothes that protect them from the sun, putting on sunblock with at least 70 SPF, and staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Dry Eyes

Lupus can make your eyes dry, making them itchy, gritty, scratchy, sore, watery, and blurry. Dryness can hurt the eye’s front surface and make it hard to see.

About 20% of people with lupus also have Sjogren’s disease, which means that their tear glands don’t make enough moisture to keep their eyes moist.

Central Nervous System Affected 

Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), neurocognitive impairment, or central nervous system lupus may be diagnosed (CNS lupus). Lupus can affect almost every part of the body, including the brain and central nervous system (CNS).

When lupus affects the CNS and brain, it can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, seizures, strokes, trouble seeing, mood changes, and difficulty focusing. Some lupus drugs could have side effects like CNS lupus, so you should talk to your doctor to find out why.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Up to 50 percent of people with lupus have “brain fog.” The LFA says that people with cognitive impairment may feel lost, tired, forget things, or have trouble putting their thoughts into words. Brain fog can be annoying, but there are ways to deal with it and apps that can help.

Lung Involvement

Pleuritis, pneumonitis, chronic diffuse interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary emboli are some of the most common lung problems that are linked to lupus (blood clots that block the arteries leading to the lungs). Pleuritis discomfort affects 40-60 percent of lupus patients.

The LFA says lupus can hurt the membranes that line the lungs, the lungs, the blood vessels inside the lungs, and the diaphragm.

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Gastrointestinal Problems

Lupus can affect the body’s automatic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature regulation, breathing, and digestion. Lupus affects the GI tract, and GI problems like esophageal disorders (like GERD), digestive problems, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peritonitis and ascites, pancreatitis, liver problems, and peptic ulcers are common in people with lupus.

Costochondritis

As was already said, pleuritic chest pain, which is a pain when you breathe, is a common sign of lupus. It can be very painful, but it’s usually easy to figure out what’s wrong because the pain is usually in the chest wall and stays there.

Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the rib to the sternum, could be the cause of this kind of chest pain.

What Is Treatment Like For Lupus?

Comprehensive lupus treatment encompasses controlling symptoms, preventing immune system attacks, and protecting organs. Symptoms determine lupus treatment, so your doctor will discuss the treatment’s advantages and dangers. Your doctor may modify your medicines or doses when your symptoms flare and subside. Lupus drugs include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs like naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) can be bought over the counter and used to treat lupus-related pain, swelling, and fever.
• Antimalarial drugs. Medications like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), often used to treat malaria, affect the immune system and help lower the risk of lupus flares.
• Corticosteroids. Steroids, like methylprednisolone (Medrol), are often given in high doses to treat diseases that affect the kidneys and brain. Corticosteroids like Prednisone and others can reduce the inflammation caused by lupus.
• Immunosuppressants. In severe cases of lupus, drugs that weaken the immune system may be helpful. Some examples are azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept), methotrexate (Trexall, Xatmep, and others), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf), and leflunomide (Arava).
• Biologics. Some people with lupus can also get their symptoms under control by taking belimumab (Benlysta) through an IV.
• Rituximab (Rituxan, Truxima) may help some people who other medicines haven’t helped.

Lupus Symptoms FAQ: What You Need to Know

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. It can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. The most common type is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

What are the most common lupus symptoms in women?

Lupus affects women about nine times more often than men, and symptoms can vary. The most common symptoms in women include:

• Extreme fatigue

• Joint pain and swelling

• Skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose)

• Fever without infection

• Hair loss

• Sun sensitivity

• Mouth or nose ulcers

• Chest pain when breathing deeply

• Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turning white or blue in the cold)

What are the early symptoms of lupus disease?

Early lupus symptoms can be vague and mimic other illnesses. Common early warning signs include:

• Persistent fatigue

• Low-grade fevers

• Muscle or joint pain

• Hair thinning

• Mild rashes

• Swollen glands

• Brain fog (trouble concentrating or remembering)

These early symptoms may come and go or gradually worsen before a formal diagnosis is made.

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What are lupus flare-up symptoms?

A lupus flare refers to a period when symptoms worsen. Flare-up symptoms include:

• Increased joint or muscle pain

• Higher fatigue levels

• Skin rash or hives

• Fever

• Headaches

• Increased swelling

• Shortness of breath or chest pain

• Gastrointestinal discomfort

It’s important to identify personal flare-up triggers, which may include stress, sun exposure, infection, or even certain medications.

What are the signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

SLE can affect many organs and systems in the body. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Inflammation in the joints (arthritis)

• Kidney problems (lupus nephritis)

• Neurological issues (seizures, headaches, mood changes)

• Heart or lung inflammation (pleuritis or pericarditis)

• Skin manifestations (rashes, lesions)

• Blood disorders (anemia, low white blood cells or platelets)

SLE symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and vary widely between individuals.

What are the first symptoms of lupus?

The first symptoms of lupus are often:

• Unexplained fatigue

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Skin changes (like a rash after sun exposure)

• Occasional low-grade fever

Because these signs can mimic many other conditions, lupus is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

What are lupus symptoms in men?

Although rarer, lupus in men presents similarly to women but may involve more severe organ involvement. Symptoms include:

• Joint pain

• Fatigue

• Rashes

• Chest pain

• Kidney issues

• Blood disorders

• Increased risk of cardiovascular complications

Men are more likely to experience kidney disease and blood-related complications from lupus.

What are the symptoms of childhood lupus?

Childhood lupus, also called pediatric SLE, often has more aggressive symptoms than adult-onset lupus. Signs include:

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• Fever

• Fatigue

• Joint pain and swelling

• Weight loss

• Facial rash

• Headaches

• Mood or behavioral changes

• Kidney inflammation (common in children)

Children may also experience growth delays and school-related challenges due to fatigue and concentration difficulties.

How do lupus symptoms differ from person to person?

Lupus is known as “the great imitator” because its symptoms resemble those of many other conditions. Symptoms differ depending on:

• Age

• Sex

• Race/ethnicity (more severe in African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations)

• Organs affected

• Triggers and co-existing conditions

Some may experience mostly joint symptoms, while others may struggle with kidney issues or neurological symptoms.

What should I do if I think I have lupus symptoms?

If you’re experiencing persistent or unusual symptoms, especially if they match those listed above:

1. Track your symptoms.

2. Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider, preferably a rheumatologist.

3. Request a referral for blood tests and further evaluations.

Early detection and treatment are key to managing lupus effectively and preventing complications.

Are there any symptoms specific to a lupus diagnosis?

While there is no single test for lupus, a combination of symptoms and lab tests leads to a diagnosis. The American College of Rheumatology lists 11 criteria, and having at least 4 of them may support a lupus diagnosis. These include:

• Malar rash

• Discoid rash

• Photosensitivity

• Oral ulcers

• Arthritis

• Serositis

• Kidney disorder

• Neurological disorder

• Blood disorder

• Immunologic disorder

• Positive ANA (antinuclear antibody)

How can I tell if my lupus is flaring up?

Common signs of a lupus flare include:

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Worsening joint pain

• New rashes or skin sensitivity

• Low-grade fevers

• Swelling in hands or feet

• Brain fog or mood shifts

Keeping a symptom diary and communicating with your doctor can help you identify patterns and manage flares more effectively.