Systemic lupus erythematosus, also referred to as SLE or lupus, is a disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes episodes of inflammation to various parts of the body, affecting joints, tendons, skin and sometimes blood vessels. And it can also affect organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs and brain. 

Common symptoms of lupus

Lupus is a long-term chronic disease that affects each person differently. Symptoms of lupus may come and go. These are sometimes known as flare-ups, periods of remission and relapse.

Lupus symptoms can appear in many parts of the body. Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. They may come and go. Some of the common symptoms of lupus are:

• Anemia
• Butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks of the face (malar rash)
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Memory problems
• Pale, blue or red fingers triggered by cold, stress or illness (Raynaud phenomenon)
• Raised rash on the head, arms, chest or back
• Rashes caused by sunlight
• Sores in the mouth or nose
• Swollen glands
• Swollen or painful joints (arthritis)
• Weight loss