Lupus: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect different parts of the body. Learn about common symptoms, possible triggers, diagnosis, treatment and when to seek medical care.
What Is Lupus?
A simple explanation of this autoimmune condition.
When the immune system targets the body's own tissues
Lupus is a long-lasting autoimmune disease. Instead of protecting the body only from harmful germs and other foreign substances, the immune system can mistakenly react against the body's own tissues. This can cause inflammation and may affect different organs or body systems.
Symptoms may involve the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system or other areas. Symptoms can also come and go.
How Lupus Can Affect the Body
Lupus involves an abnormal immune response that can lead to inflammation.
Immune Response
The immune system becomes abnormally activated.
Immune Reaction
The immune response can mistakenly target the body's own tissues.
Inflammation
Inflammation may develop in affected tissues and organs.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which parts of the body are affected.
Types of Lupus
Lupus can appear in different forms and may affect different parts of the body.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The most common form. It can affect multiple organs and body systems.
Cutaneous Lupus
Primarily affects the skin and can cause different types of skin changes.
Discoid Lupus
A chronic form of cutaneous lupus that mainly affects the skin.
Drug-Induced Lupus
A lupus-like condition associated with certain medicines and usually different from typical systemic lupus.
Which Parts of the Body Can Lupus Affect?
Lupus does not affect everyone in the same way.
Skin
Lupus can cause rashes, skin lesions and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Joints & Muscles
Inflammation may cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling or muscle aches.
Kidneys
In some people, lupus can cause kidney inflammation and related problems.
Lungs & Heart
Inflammation can sometimes involve the tissues around the lungs or heart.
Blood
Lupus may be associated with changes in blood-cell counts or clotting.
Nervous System
Some people can experience neurological symptoms related to lupus.
Common Symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms vary widely and may appear, improve or return over time.
Persistent Fatigue
Unusual or ongoing tiredness that may affect daily activities.
Joint Pain & Swelling
Joints may become painful, stiff or swollen.
Fever
Unexplained fever can occur during periods of active disease.
Skin Rashes
Different types of rashes or other skin changes may occur.
Hair Loss
Some people experience increased or unusual hair loss.
Sun Sensitivity
Sunlight may trigger or worsen certain lupus-related skin symptoms.
Mouth or Nose Sores
Sores can occur in some people with lupus.
Swelling
Swelling can occur around the legs, feet or eyes in some cases.
Lupus Flares & Remission
Lupus symptoms may change over time.
What Is a Flare?
A flare is a period when lupus symptoms become more noticeable or new symptoms appear.
- Fatigue may increase
- Joint symptoms may worsen
- Skin symptoms may become more noticeable
- Other symptoms may appear depending on the affected organs
Periods of Lower Activity
Symptoms can improve or become less noticeable for periods of time. Ongoing medical follow-up remains important even when symptoms improve.
- Continue prescribed treatment
- Keep scheduled medical appointments
- Track changes in symptoms
- Discuss recurring symptoms with your doctor
What Causes Lupus?
There is no single known cause. Researchers believe several factors may interact.
Genetic Factors
Certain inherited characteristics may increase susceptibility to lupus.
Environmental Factors
Environmental exposures may contribute to triggering disease in susceptible people.
Sunlight
Sun exposure can trigger or worsen some lupus-related skin symptoms.
Hormonal Factors
Hormonal influences are being studied as one factor in lupus risk.
Infections & Immune Triggers
Some infections or other immune-system events may contribute in susceptible people.
Certain Medicines
Some medicines can cause a lupus-like condition known as drug-induced lupus.
How Is Lupus Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually combines symptoms, medical history, examination and appropriate testing.
Medical History
Your doctor reviews symptoms, how they change over time, family history and other health conditions.
Physical Examination
The doctor looks for signs involving the skin, joints and other areas that may help guide further evaluation.
Blood & Urine Tests
Tests may help identify immune activity, inflammation, blood-count changes or possible kidney involvement.
Additional Testing
Depending on symptoms, doctors may use imaging or tissue testing to investigate specific organ involvement.
Lupus Treatment
Treatment is individualized according to symptoms, disease activity and affected organs.
Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
May be used to help manage inflammation, pain or fever in appropriate situations.
Antimalarial Medicines
Certain medicines in this group may help control some lupus symptoms and reduce disease activity.
Corticosteroids
These medicines can reduce inflammation and may be used when symptoms or organ involvement require stronger treatment.
Immunosuppressive Medicines
May be prescribed to reduce harmful immune activity in selected cases.
Biologic Treatments
Certain targeted medicines may be considered for specific patients and patterns of lupus.
Organ-Specific Care
Additional treatment may be required when lupus affects the kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system or other organs.
What Are You Experiencing?
Select a symptom to learn how it may relate to lupus. This tool is educational and cannot diagnose a condition.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve medical evaluation.
Consider a medical evaluation if you have:
- Persistent unexplained fatigue
- Recurring joint pain, stiffness or swelling
- Unexplained or recurring skin rashes
- Repeated unexplained fevers
- Unusual hair loss or mouth/nose sores
- Unexplained swelling around the legs or eyes
- Symptoms that repeatedly come and go
- Several symptoms occurring together without a clear explanation
Seek urgent medical care
Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should not be assumed to be caused by lupus. Seek urgent medical attention for serious symptoms such as:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Sudden weakness, confusion or neurological changes
- Severe or rapidly worsening illness
Who Treats Lupus?
A rheumatologist commonly manages lupus and other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Depending on which organs are affected, other specialists may also be involved.
Start With a DoctorLiving With Lupus
Long-term management focuses on controlling disease activity and protecting health.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Take prescribed medicines as directed and discuss side effects with your doctor.
Track Symptoms
Keeping a record of symptoms can help you and your healthcare team identify changes.
Protect Your Skin
If sunlight worsens your symptoms, discuss appropriate sun-protection strategies.
Keep Regular Appointments
Ongoing monitoring can help identify changes and treatment-related concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lupus
Is lupus an autoimmune disease?
Yes. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system can mistakenly react against the body's own tissues.
What is the most common type of lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called SLE, is the most common form and can affect multiple organs or body systems.
What are the early symptoms of lupus?
Early symptoms can vary. Fatigue, fever, joint pain and skin changes are among symptoms that may occur, but these symptoms also have many other possible causes.
Can lupus symptoms come and go?
Yes. Lupus can have periods when symptoms become more active and periods when symptoms improve.
Can a positive ANA test confirm lupus?
No. ANA is an important test used in lupus evaluation, but a positive ANA alone does not diagnose lupus. Doctors interpret it alongside symptoms, examination and other tests.
Is there a cure for lupus?
There is currently no cure for lupus, but available treatments can help control symptoms, reduce disease activity and lower the risk of complications.
Can lupus affect the kidneys?
Yes. Lupus can cause kidney inflammation, known as lupus nephritis, in some people with systemic lupus.
Which doctor treats lupus?
A rheumatologist commonly treats lupus. Depending on the organs involved, care may also include other specialists.
This page provides general educational information about lupus. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or personalized medical advice. Symptoms and treatment needs can vary considerably from person to person.
Concerned About Lupus Symptoms?
Persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve proper medical evaluation. A doctor can assess your symptoms and determine whether further testing or specialist care is appropriate.
Consult a Doctor