Symptoms of Lupus

Although lupus can affect any part of the body, most people experience symptoms in only a few organs. Table 1 lists the most common symptoms of people with lupus.

TABLE 1. SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS

Symptom Percentage
Achy joints (arthralgia) 95%
Fever over 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) 90%
Arthritis (swollen joints) 90%
Prolonged or extreme fatigue 81%
Skin Rashes 74%
Anemia 71%
Kidney Involvement 50%
Pain in the chest on deep breathing (pleurisy) 45%
Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose 42%
Sun or light sensitivity (photosensitivity) 30%
Hair loss 27%
Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white and/or blue in the cold) 17%
Seizures 15%
Mouth or nose ulcers 12%
Lupus Alliance, Michigan  26507 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Phone: 800.705.6677    Fax: 586.775.8494    Email: info@milupus.org