Mobile-Friendly: 6 Lesser-Known Lupus Symptoms
While every case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is different, there are a few common symptoms most lupus patients share. Some are joint pain, butterfly rash on the face, fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to the sun.
But because SLE is such a complex and very individualized disease, some symptoms are less common. Here are six little-known symptoms of lupus from NewLifeOutlook:
While it’s well-known that lupus patients have higher rates of depression and anxiety, it’s not known if some cases are more situational than biological. However, lupus psychosis can occur during the onset of the disease, during the first years of the disease, or during a flare. Treatment with steroids helps and the psychosis is usually short-lived.
Regular headaches that most people experience every once in a while are likely not lupus-related, but some individuals with lupus may experience crushing migraine-type headaches.
Sometimes lupus can cause changes to the nervous system that manifest in odd sensations that range from feelings like you have a sunburn to sheer pain. Such sensations may come and go or stay throughout the day — which can be pretty uncomfortable.
Though most instances of vertigo are not related to lupus, it can occur particularly in combination with hearing loss. It can also be related to inflamed arteries and restricted blood flow.
While most people with lupus know that the disease can cause mouth sores or ulcers, there are other issues of the mouth such as Sjogren’s syndrome which is characterized by dry orifices, including the mouth. A dry mouth can also lead to the oral yeast infection candida, or periodontitis which is the medical term for a gum infection. Bone issues with lupus such as osteoporosis can affect the jaw.
Most people with lupus have a butterfly rash cross the face that can be controlled with medication, but there are other types of rashes that occur in lupus patients. The rash subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosu could develop in sun-exposed areas of the body. Livedo reticularis, which is caused by abnormal blood flow through the capillaries, appears in a purple, lace-like pattern on the skin.
Click here for a video that reviews 10 facts about lupus.
Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
About the Author
