The physical signs and symptoms of lupus can vary widely between individuals, but many people experience distinctive facial rashes and other skin issues. Common facial and skin problems include a “butterfly” rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks, which may be red or purple, as well as purple discoloration across the nose, and red or purple lesions on the facial area, particularly around the eyes or mouth.
Other skin problems may include extreme sensitivity to sunlight, red spots, or ulcers on the skin. In some cases, hair loss, especially around the scalp, may be present as well.
In addition to skin issues, other physical manifestations of lupus include swelling and pain in various parts of the body, such as the joints, muscles, and organs. Some people experience fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
Many lupus patients experience many different symptoms and the kinds of symptoms experienced can range from mild to life-threatening.
What does lupus do to your face?
Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, and it can affect any part of the body, including the face. In people with lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, which can lead to facial rashes and skin lesions.
The most common and recognizable symptom of lupus is a “butterfly” rash, so-called because it resembles the shape of a butterfly. This rash commonly appears on both cheeks and is red, raised, and scaly.
Other symptoms that may affect the face include discoloration, redness, and tenderness at the bridge of the nose, raised bumps or red spots on the face, and swelling and inflammation. While most of these facial symptoms will resolve on their own over time, some may require additional treatment, such as topical corticosteroids.
Do people with lupus look different?
No, people with lupus do not look different from those without lupus. Some people with lupus may experience skin rashes, patches of discolored skin or a “butterfly rash” across their face, which are the most visible signs of lupus.
However, not everyone with lupus will have these focal rashes and they may go away and then come back. There are other symptoms that may be present in people with lupus, such as fatigue, joint pain and swelling, headaches, chest pain and shortness of breath, but these are not visible to the naked eye.
People with lupus may also have a low white blood cell and platelet count, which can also be tested but is not visible externally. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose lupus because these symptoms may also be present in other health conditions.
To accurately diagnose lupus and to rule out other health conditions, a doctor will need to conduct a physical exam, a review of the patient’s medical history and certain laboratory tests.
Can lupus change your face?
Yes, Lupus can change your face. In a condition known as “Lupus Mask” or “Discoid Lupus Erythematosus,” the facial skin can become inflamed, swollen and discolored. The swelling can cause it to appear puffier than normal, and deep red or purple marks may form on the cheeks and nose.
The inflammation caused by lupus can also result in skin sores that can further change the appearance of the face. Other potential facial changes associated with lupus include scarring, dryness, color and texture changes, as well as sun-sensitivity.
All of these potential changes can, of course, have a significant effect on your facial appearance.
What does your skin look like when you have lupus?
When someone has Lupus, it can present with a wide range of skin-related symptoms. In some cases, the skin may appear red, inflamed, and sore. It can also be itchy, scaly, and/or display patches of discoloration—sometimes taking on a “butterfly rash” pattern over the cheeks and nose.
People with Lupus may also experience hair loss, which is usually seen as patchy bald spots rather than complete baldness. Other skin symptoms of Lupus, while rarer, can include ulcers, or darkened scaly or warty growths.
Some patients may also suffer from photosensitivity, in which an even mild exposure to sunlight can cause extreme burning and flushing of the skin.
No matter the combination of skin symptoms, it is important for people with Lupus to be aware of the kind of skin damage that occurs as many Lupus patients have weakened immune systems, leaving the skin more vulnerable to harm from outside environments.
It is therefore important to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and utilizing sunscreen to prevent further skin damage when going outdoors.
What is lupus hair?
Lupus hair is hair that is thought to be connected to the immune system disorder known as lupus. It is characterized by loss and thinning of the hair. The hair loss can be in the form of patchy bald spots, thinning throughout the scalp and extending to the sides and back of the head, and overall thinning.
In some cases, the hair may also become dry and brittle. It is important to note that this type of hair loss may be due to a number of causes and is not exclusive to lupus. Some of the other potential causes may include hormonal imbalances, dietary deficiencies, stress, and certain medications.
However, if the hair loss occurs in conjunction with other symptoms that are commonly associated with lupus, it is highly likely that the cause of the hair loss is due to the condition.
What is the number one symptom of lupus?
The most common symptom of lupus is a characteristic rash, known as a “butterfly rash”, which appears across the nose and cheeks. This rash can range from mild to severe and may come with also redness, swelling and/or itching.
Other common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, fever, joint pain, hair loss, anemia, and swollen lymph nodes. People living with lupus may also experience chest pain, headaches, and depression. Lupus can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, and brain, so symptoms may vary widely depending on the individual and which systems are affected.
What can be mistaken for lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects different parts of the body, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Consequently, there are many different diseases or conditions that can be mistaken for lupus.
These include fibromyalgia, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Lyme disease, scleroderma, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-related arthritis.
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that can cause pain in multiple parts of the body, as well as sleep disruption, spinal pain, cognitive and mood changes, fatigue, and headaches. It is often mistaken for lupus because of its similar symptoms.
However, fibromyalgia does not involve any kind of immune system disorder, so it is not an autoimmune disease like lupus.
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the walls of blood vessels, causing blood flow problems, organ damage, and pain. It can often be mistaken for lupus because it can cause a number of the same symptoms (such as joint pain and rashes).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder, which can make it seem like lupus. But unlike lupus, rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by redness, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by dry eyes and mouth. It is typically accompanied by achy muscles, fatigue, and joint pain, which can easily be mistaken for lupus.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by ticks and is often accompanied by joint pain and fatigue. Like lupus, Lyme disease is an autoimmune disorder and can cause some of the same symptoms, so it is often mistaken for lupus.
Scleroderma is a chronic, progressive autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin, as well as joint pain. While scleroderma is not the same as lupus, it can cause some of the same symptoms, leading to a misdiagnosis.
HLA-B27-related arthritis is an autoimmune disorder caused by an inherited gene, HLA-B27. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can make it seem like lupus. However, unlike lupus, it can be easily identified by a blood test.
What is the sister disease to lupus?
The sister disease to lupus is known as Sjogren’s Syndrome. It is an autoimmune disorder like lupus and produces similar symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and dry eyes. However, Sjogren’s Syndrome is marked by the destruction of salivary and tear glands, which results in dryness of the eyes and mouth.
Other symptoms may include dry skin, vaginal dryness, and difficulty swallowing. Sjogren’s Syndrome also has an increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis).
Treatment generally consists of medications to help manage symptoms, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also important for people with Sjogren’s Syndrome to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
What are the four stages of lupus?
The four stages of Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are classified as mild, moderate, severe, and very severe.
1. Mild: In this stage, symptoms can be minimal and may not interfere with daily activities. Typically, only the skin, joints, and serositis (inflammation of the lining surrounding organs) are affected.
With mild systemic lupus, the patient’s lab tests will generally show that they are healthy, despite small signs of inflammation.
2. Moderate: This stage is slightly more serious, as the symptoms may interfere with daily life and the person’s ability to work or even perform regular activities of daily living. During this stage, joints may become stiff, swollen, or painful and some of the more common symptoms start to appear, such as low-grade fever, kidney changes, anemia, mouth sores, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight).
3. Severe: In the third stage, symptoms become more serious, including severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, extensive joint pain, and organ damage such as lung, heart, or kidney damage. This can lead to a significant reduction in work and daily life.
In this stage, lab tests are typically abnormal and indicate inflammation in the body.
4. Very Severe: This is the most severe form of Lupus and is defined by an accelerated decline in an individual’s physical and mental health. Serious organ damage can occur, often causing permanent results.
In this stage, a person’s ability to go about their daily daily life is significantly hampered and long-term treatments including antibiotics and/or steroids may be necessary.
What does the beginning of a lupus flare feel like?
The beginning of a lupus flare can vary from person to person, however the most commonly reported symptom is fatigue. Feeling extremely tired, even after ample rest, is a common sign that a flare is beginning.
Other common signs that a lupus flare is beginning include joint pain and swelling, fever, rashes on the face or other parts of the body, headaches, stiff muscles or joints, unusual hair loss, abdominal pain and swelling, and a sensitive reaction to sunlight.
In some cases, chest pain, anemia, and digestive difficulties may occur. Additionally, people with lupus may experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and difficulty concentrating. Everyone experiences lupus differently and the intensity and duration of the flare can also vary, however if you notice any of the signs or symptoms noted above, it is important to contact your doctor so they can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
How do you know if a lupus flare is coming?
It can be difficult to know if a lupus flare is coming due to its unpredictable nature. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a lupus flare is on its way. These include fatigue, joint and muscle pain, fever, dry mouth, skin rashes or lesions, chest pain, disruption to one’s sleeping patterns or insomnia, a decrease in appetite, hair loss unrelated to normal shedding, and mouth or nose sores.
In addition, a lupus flare may be preceded by intense emotional stress or a trauma in someone’s life. In general, keeping track of symptoms over time and trying to identify patterns can be helpful in predicting when a lupus flare may occur.
People should also be aware of their triggers and avoid them where possible. Working closely with a doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan can also help reduce the frequency and severity of lupus flares.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Living with lupus can have a number of daily struggles for those who suffer from the condition. One of the most pressing struggles is fatigue, which can be made worse by changes in temperature and humidity.
People with lupus often also experience joint pain and stiffness, as well as difficulty sleeping. Lupus can also cause people to experience a range of emotions, which can lead to difficulty focusing, decreased motivation, and difficulty handling stress.
Inflammation and dry, itchy skin are also common among those with lupus. People with lupus may also experience cognitive dysfunction from fatigue, making it difficult to remember things, process information, and express their thoughts.
Additionally, those with lupus may be more prone to frequent infections, and have weakened immunity. Finally, many people with lupus have to manage a range of medications, which can have side effects and contribute to an overall feeling of not being well.
How long does a lupus flare usually last?
The duration of lupus flares vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition and the individual. Generally, most flares last between 4 and 8 weeks, although there are cases in which flares can be longer or shorter.
Flares can sometimes come and go quickly, or may be persistent and last for several months. In some cases, lupus can become a chronic disease, with long-term symptoms lasting for years. In milder forms, flare-ups can be managed with lifestyle and dietary changes as well as medications and supportive care.
In more severe cases, medications may be necessary to control flares and maintain long-term remission. As lupus symptoms can vary from person to person, it is important to work with your health care provider to create an individualized treatment plan.
