Lupus Symptoms Can Be Very Different For Different People

Unfortunately, the body’s immune system isn’t perfect. If it was, then we’d never be ill. The incredible complexity of the immune system sometimes goes haywire and the immune system will actually attack the body itself. Lupus is one of these autoimmune diseases. 

Lupus is incredibly varied as it can affect multiple areas of the body. This is because the immune system misdiagnosing the areas it attacks causes lots of inflammation. Lupus is also difficult to diagnose. In many cases, the symptoms that occur look exactly like that of another condition. It’s only after treatment seems to have begun and been less than successful that Lupus will often come to mind. 

Symptoms of Lupus

Quite simply, this list of symptoms is only some of the symptoms that are possible with lupus. Many of these symptoms can often be thought of another issue. One thing about the symptoms of lupus is that they often will have periods of times when they are worse, then may improve or disappear. These flare up periods are not particularly enjoyable for sufferers of lupus. Just some of the potential symptoms include: 

• Rash - One symptom which is typically distinctive of lupus is the rash involved. The rash that comes with lupus is on the face. It runs from ear to ear with a butterfly shape. It’s also possible to get rashes on the body elsewhere on the body as well. 
• Fatigue - General fatigue is a sign of many conditions that can affect the body. 
• Fever - The same as fatigue, fever can be a sign of many conditions. 
• Swelling - Swelling can occur in many areas, but is especially common in areas around the joints. Stiffness and pain can also be part of this. 
• Lesions - The skin can suffer from lesions which tend to get worse if they are ever exposed to the sun. 
• Shortness of breath - People with Lupus don’t always manage to breathe freely. 
• Changed skin color in toes and fingers - People’s fingers and people’s toes can turn blue or white if they become cold. It’s also possible for it to open when people are under large amounts of stress. 
• Dry eyes - Some people can experience issues with discomfort as they blink due to a lack of liquid. 
• Chest Pain - It’s common for people to suffer from chest pain when they are dealing with lupus. 
• Cognitive Symptoms - It’s very possible that people will suffer from headaches, issues with memory and potentially confusion about their situation. 

Treatment

Many people suffer from flares if they suffer from infections, issues with sunlight and with a variety of medication. During these flare ups, the symptoms are much worse than they might otherwise be. Other people may have other triggers that lead to their flare ups. 

Since there are a wide number of complications that can occur with lupus, treatment needs to begin early. Treatment is tricky as each case is so individualized. Typically medication or a combination of medications will be the most common form of treatment. The medications will likely be targeted at the specific symptoms that each lupus sufferer has to deal with. In addition, since Lupus is an autoimmune disease, it’s common for people to have to take some immunosuppressant medications to try and calm down the immune system.