Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
- Butterfly-shaped facial rash across cheeks and nose
- Extreme fatigue
- Photosensitivity: rash worsens with sun exposure
- Mouth ulcers
- Hair loss
- Fever without infection
- Chest pain when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
Diagnostic Blood Tests
| Test | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ANA (antinuclear antibody) | Screening test: positive in >95% of lupus | Not specific: positive in many other conditions and some healthy people |
| Anti-dsDNA | Highly specific for lupus | Levels correlate with disease activity, especially kidney involvement |
| Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) | Very specific for lupus | Less sensitive but highly specific |
| Complement (C3, C4) | Low levels indicate active disease | Falls during flares |
| FBC | Anaemia, low white cells, low platelets common | |
| Urinalysis + protein:creatinine ratio | Screens for lupus nephritis (kidney involvement) |
Treatment Approach
| Severity | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Mild (joint/skin) | Hydroxychloroquine (cornerstone treatment for almost all lupus patients); NSAIDs |
| Moderate | Add low-dose steroids, possibly methotrexate or azathioprine |
| Severe (organ-threatening, e.g. kidney) | High-dose steroids + immunosuppressants (mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide); biologics (belimumab, rituximab) |
Lupus Nephritis WarningKidney involvement (lupus nephritis) affects up to 50% of lupus patients and can be silent until significant damage occurs. Regular urine testing (protein:creatinine ratio) is essential even without symptoms, as early treatment prevents kidney failure.
Hydroxychloroquine Is for LifeHydroxychloroquine is recommended for nearly all lupus patients long-term, even during remission, as it reduces flare frequency, protects organs, and improves survival. Annual eye checks are needed due to a small risk of retinal toxicity with long-term use.
Is lupus the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. While both are autoimmune conditions causing joint pain, lupus can affect many organs (skin, kidneys, brain, blood) beyond joints, and has different antibody patterns and treatments.
Can lupus be cured?
No cure currently exists, but modern treatment allows most people with lupus to live full lives with good disease control, especially with early diagnosis and consistent treatment.
Does sun exposure really trigger lupus flares?
Yes. UV light is a well-documented trigger for lupus flares, particularly skin and systemic symptoms. Sun protection (SPF 50+, protective clothing) is an essential part of lupus management.
References
The clinical information on this page is drawn from peer-reviewed sources indexed by the US National Library of Medicine. Links go to the source so you can read it yourself.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. NCBI Bookshelf NBK535405
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.