Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can impact any organ in the body. This disease triggers the immune system to attack tissues and organs. As this health condition can affect any body system, the symptoms may vary between patients, making it hard to diagnose lupus. Some noticeable warning signs include joint pain, skin rashes, and dry mouth. Understanding these indicators is crucial for early detection and proper management of the condition.
Skin rashes
One of the most visible signs of lupus includes a butterfly-shaped rash, also called malar rash. This rash usually appears over the bridge of the nose and also on both cheeks. According to experts, the chance of this appearing is 1 in every two people with lupus, and it usually appears after some exposure to the sun for a long time.
Some other signs related to lupus that appear on the skin include discolored spots, scaly rash on the skin that is exposed to the sun, swollen eyelids, swelling around the eyes, mouth sores, and also thick, scaly patches of skin anywhere on the body.
Kidney inflammation
This is also called nephritis; in this condition, it becomes difficult for the kidney to properly remove toxins from the blood. Some signs of kidney inflammation include high blood pressure, darker urine, pain in the side, swelling in the lower legs and feet, and increased frequency of urinating at night.
Painful joints
Inflammation in the joints can trigger pain and visible swelling, especially in the morning. This can also cause other health issues like tendinitis, tendon laxity, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis. These joint flare-ups can happen intermittently and may indicate lupus.
Dry mouth, dry eyes
One of the early signs of lupus is dry mouth and dry eyes. Those with lupus can develop Sjogren’s, an autoimmune disease that disrupts the function of tears and saliva glands. There are some cases in which it can lead to vaginal dryness as well.
Other symptoms to look for include oral ulcers, enlarged lymph nodes, anemia, chest pain, muscle pain, seizures, dizziness, and osteoporosis. Always watch out for these signs and consult a healthcare expert for a proper diagnosis to know the underlying cause.
