The disease that we describe as lupus appears to be one in which the body attacks its own tissues. The symptoms therefore vary from person to person and it is difficult to pin down an exact set of signs of the disease.
In the vast majority of people with lupus, aching joints are common, with 95% reporting this. 90% of patients also show evidence of swollen joints and arthritic changes and also have a fever that persists.
Between 70 and 80% feel very tired all the time, with fatigue persisting for weeks and even months. A similar proportion experience skin rashes and anaemia. Only about half of the people diagnosed with lupus have kidney problems or pain in the chest caused by pleurisy. A butterfly rash across the face, particularly on the cheeks is seen in 40% and then less common symptoms include sun sensitivity, loss of hair, problems with blood clotting and poor circulation in the hands. Only about 15 % of lupus patients experience seizures.
In the vast majority of people with lupus, aching joints are common, with 95% reporting this. 90% of patients also show evidence of swollen joints and arthritic changes and also have a fever that persists.
Between 70 and 80% feel very tired all the time, with fatigue persisting for weeks and even months. A similar proportion experience skin rashes and anaemia. Only about half of the people diagnosed with lupus have kidney problems or pain in the chest caused by pleurisy. A butterfly rash across the face, particularly on the cheeks is seen in 40% and then less common symptoms include sun sensitivity, loss of hair, problems with blood clotting and poor circulation in the hands. Only about 15 % of lupus patients experience seizures.