Understanding symptoms is the first step toward control.
General Symptoms
Persistent fatigue
Low-grade fever
Unexplained weight changes
A butterfly-Headache and fever rash across your cheeks & nose
Headache and fever
Fingers and toes turn white or blue and feel numb
Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light
Chest pain
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
Hair loss
Excessive fatigue
Related Information
Treatment & Resources
- Treatment
- Resources
Understanding Lupus
- What is Lupus
- Is it Contagious ?
- Risk Factors for Lupus
Skin Symptoms
Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Rashes triggered by sunlight
Mouth or nose ulcers
Hair thinning or loss
Organ Involvement
Kidneys (Lupus nephritis): Swelling, foamy urine, high blood pressure
Heart & Lungs: Chest pain, breathlessness, fluid buildup
Brain & Nervous System: Seizures, memory loss, mood swings
Blood: Anaemia, low platelets, higher clotting risk
Why Diagnosis is Tricky
Because lupus imitates many illnesses, it’s called “the great imitator.”
How Doctors Diagnose Lupus
Blood tests: ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith, complement levels
Urine tests: To detect kidney issues
Imaging: X-ray, echocardiogram, MRI/CT when needed
Biopsy: Especially renal biopsy for lupus nephritis
If you notice several of these symptoms together, consult a rheumatologist early. Early detection prevents organ damage.
