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Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects women more often than men. This condition can cause damage to any part of the body as the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Women with lupus have a higher risk of experiencing other health problems, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
In this overview, PatientsLikeMe will explain lupus as a condition, the risk factors, and early signs and symptoms to know for managing your health.
Types of Lupus
There are different types of lupus, but systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and severe form. SLE can affect various parts of the body and presents symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, painful and swollen joints, skin rashes, and kidney problems. Other types of lupus include:
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (affecting the skin)
- Drug-induced lupus (caused by certain medications)
- Neonatal lupus (affecting newborn babies)
Risk Factors
Lupus primarily affects women, with about 9 out of 10 diagnoses occurring in women aged 15 to 44. Women of color, including African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women, are at higher risk of developing lupus. Black women are three times more likely to get lupus than White women. Lupus tends to occur at a younger age and may be more severe in women of color, leading to complications such as kidney problems and heart issues.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the early signs of lupus is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Here are some common symptoms to watch for.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is persistent fatigue or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. Researchers have found that 40% of lupus patients experience fatigue. Often, they report it disrupts their day more than pain.
- Joint Pain: Approximately 95% of lupus patients will have joint symptoms. This is usually painful or swollen joints, often affecting the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles.
- Skin Rashes: Lupus commonly affects the skin. It can cause rashes that may be red, raised, or scaly. It can also lead to a butterfly pattern across the cheeks and nose called a malar rash.
- Sun Sensitivity: Exposure to sun can cause a flare up of lupus symptoms. This is usually a worsening of skin rashes, but can also lead to joint pain, fatigue, and even organ damage.
- Fever: A fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit can affect many people with lupus. This fever is mostly caused by inflammation and infection.
- Hair Loss: An extension of how lupus can affect the skin, it can also cause hair loss or thinning. This may also be a side effect of certain medicines used to treat lupus. Steroids and immunosuppressives have been known to cause hair loss.
- Kidney Problems: Lupus nephritis occurs when the lupus autoantibodies affects parts of the kidneys. The can cause swelling or irritation of the kidney. It might lead to blood or protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and even kidney failure.
Understanding the early signs of lupus is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective management. Women experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or unexplained fever should consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve outcomes and quality of life!