Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. It can affect many body parts, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, and heart. Risk factors for lupus include being a woman of childbearing age, having a family history of lupus, and being of certain ethnicities such as African, Asian, and Native American. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The following are common signs of lupus:

1. Joint pain and swelling
The most common symptoms of lupus are joint pain and swelling. These symptoms often occur in the same joints, such as the knees and ankles, but each person may experience them differently. Joint pain tends to worsen with certain movements and can be limited to one joint or involve most joints throughout the body. The swelling is usually mild, but it can also be severe.

2. Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
Individuals with lupus may develop a butterfly-shaped rash on their cheeks and nose, similar to a rosette or target lesion (see picture below). This rash is caused by inflammation. In rare cases, it may spread beyond that area to other parts of the face or body.

3. Fingers and toes that turn white or blue
Individuals with lupus may see their fingers and toes turn white or blue. The fingers and toes can also feel numb or tingly. This symptom is usually not painful and usually only lasts a few minutes before the color returns to normal. This condition is often referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon, which occurs when blood vessels in the fingers and toes temporarily narrow, making it harder for blood to reach these body areas.

4. Chest pain and shortness of breath
The heart is affected in an estimated 60 percent of patients with lupus, according to data from the Lupus Foundation of America. Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and fatigue may occur. The symptoms may be caused by inflammation in the heart or other problems that affect the heart.

5. Hair thinning and hair loss
The hair on your head comprises thousands of tiny strands called individual hairs. It is called hair loss or alopecia when anyone loses several hundred hairs daily (between 100 to 500). This condition can affect any head area and cause itching because of hair loss. In some cases, thinning of the scalp may also occur. Hair loss can make existing scarring on the scalp more conspicuous. The hair on your body is not as likely to fall out, but it may become brittle, thin, or dull and tend to break more often.

6. Light sensitivity
Exposure to bright light may cause individuals with lupus to develop a rash or worsen other symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling. This symptom occurs because the body’s immune system is sensitive to certain light waves that affect the skin’s ability to process collagen properly. The skin cells become more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is often a cause of sun-related skin irritations in people with lupus. Sunscreen and sunglasses that block UV light are recommended.

Lupus is a complex and often unpredictable disease, and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or manage serious complications, so it is important to be aware of these early warning signs and seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of them.