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Lupus Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms can be mild or very severe. For some people, only part of the body (eg, skin) is affected. For others, many parts are affected. Though symptoms can be chronic, they can flare up and get better on and off.

Common symptoms:

  • Swollen and/or painful joints
  • Fever
  • Skin rashes over areas exposed to sunlight (especially on the nose and cheeks)
  • Extreme fatigue

Common Lupus Rash Sites

Lupus rash
Facial butterfly rash is hallmark of Lupus.
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Other symptoms may include:

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, especially for young women. No single test can determine if you have lupus. But, a number of blood tests for specific antibodies can confirm diagnosis.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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