For many people with lupus the only symptoms are joint pains, skin rashes and tiredness which are not life-threatening or dangerous. For others
lupus can affect internal organs which is much more serious and can be life-threatening.
Listed below are the different parts of the body that can be affected by lupus. It is important to remember that most people will have symptoms
in a few parts of the body.
- Skin and mouth. The areas of the body most exposed to sunlight (face, hands and wrists) can develop a rash. Especially common
is a rash on both cheeks and nose (a "butterfly" rash) . Recurring groups of mouth ulcers can also be a problem. The fingers can also change
colour in very cold weather, first turning pale, then dark blue and finally red.
- Hair. Some degree of hair loss is a common symptom. For most people this is a minor problem, for others it can entail serious hair loss.
This is episodic in that hair grows back when lupus is brought under control but falls out again when the disease becomes more active.
- Joints. Joint pain is a common feature with lupus, usually affecting the small joints of the hands and feet. The pain may move quite
quickly from one set of joints to another. Unlike some forms of arthritis lupus does not normally cause joints to become permanently damaged or deformed.
About 5% of people with lupus develop more severe joint problems.
- Kidneys. About one third of lupus patients may have significant inflammation of the kidneys. Doctors will monitor the kidneys and give medication to
minimise the damage. In a small minority of cases people with lupus can still develop kidney failure.
- Blood pressure. People with lupus can have raised blood pressure, particularly if their kidneys are affected. High blood pressure
can also be caused by the steroid tablets people have to take to deal with other symptoms. High blood pressure can be successfully controlled with
medication.
- Heart and lungs. Occasionally the heart and lungs may be affected directly, more usually it is the linings of these organs that become
inflamed. This causes shortness of breath and sharp pains in the chest. In rare cases large amounts of fluid may develop in the lining layers causing severe
shortage of breath.
- Brain and nervous system. Having lupus can make people feel depressed and anxious. About one third of people with lupus will
experience migraine headaches. In a small minority of people lupus will "mimic" certain neurological conditions such as epilepsy and scizophrenia.
- Other. Lupus can affect bone marrow, causing anaemia and a reduction in the number of cells which help the blood to clot. People
with lupus can have swollen lymph glands which may cause discomfort. Some people may develop blood clots in veins or arteries.
Less frequently, lupus can affect the gut, liver, spleen or pancreas. On rare occasions lupus can affect the eyes causing painful red eye or changes
in eyesight.
