12 warning signs of lupus erythematosus

Rash, finger discoloration and chest pain are three warning signs of scarlet lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus for short, occurs when the immune system fails. The disease affects the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys; causing the whole body to be destroyed. Some severe cases require organ transplants like female singer Selena Gomez.

Even so dangerous, lupus is difficult to diagnose because the manifestations of patients are very different. Besides, lupus symptoms are often mistaken for other health problems.

To protect yourself, the best way is to follow up on your own and quickly contact your doctor if you notice something unusual. Here are 12 lupus warning signs you need to keep in mind to promptly intervene, according to Prevention.

Rash on the face

Butterfly-shaped rash warns the risk of lupus.(Photos: Pinterest).

One of the most obvious symptoms of lupus is a butterfly-like rash in the area of ​​the nose and cheekbones. About 30% of lupus patients noted this phenomenon.

Prolonged fever

Fever occurs when the body is infected and in fact, many people have lupus fever. If you have a prolonged or repeated fever, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Skin rashes after going out

Patients with lupus are sensitive to UV rays so after being outdoors, they are more prone to rash or even skin ulcers in less shielded areas such as the face, neck and arms.

Athritis

Lupus is often confused with arthritis because both diseases make the joint become stiff and painful, especially in the hands, wrists, and ankles. Experts recommend that you go for a checkup immediately if you find it hard to move after getting up or sitting for a long time.

Swelling

Swollen lymph nodes or skin around the eyes may be a sign of lupus. Some patients also have calf swelling.

Hair loss

Lupus causes hair loss, leaving small bald patches on the head and sometimes with a rash.

Fingers, toes are numb and discolored

Finger color changes due to Raynaud's syndrome.(Photo: Prevention).

One-third of people with lupus develop Raynaud's syndrome, causing blood vessels to supply blood to the skin. Circulation is obstructed, fingers and toes will become numb and turn color to white or purple.

Exhausted

Exhaustion is a common complaint in patients with lupus. This feeling is different from the fatigue after a gym, sports and it is like "getting hit on the wall" to the point of not being able to function.

Chest pain

Chest pain when coughing or deep breathing warns that pleurisy is easily seen when lupus is caught. In addition, the disease can cause inflammation of the lining of the heart, causing you to have chest pain when lying down but getting better if you sit up and lean forward.

Mouth sores

Lupus patient's mouth and nose ulcers last from a few days to several months.

Red dots on the skin

Patients with lupus develop red spots on the skin due to leaking blood vessels.(Photo: Prevention).

Lupus can attack platelets, the type of cells that help people stop bleeding by clotting and freezing blood. When the platelet count is low, the skin will appear more red spots due to leaking blood vessels. Some cases also bleed nose or gums (when brushing teeth).

Headache

50% of people with lupus have memory problems, concentration, awareness because the disease affects the brain and nervous system. Comes with that risk of migraine doubling and numbness, tingling the motor nerves, sensation.

In particular, lupus can make new people 30-40 years of stroke.