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  • Lupus
    Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. Lupus affects about 5 in 10,000 people. Most often, lupus starts in people in their 20s and 30s. It occurs 10 times more often in women than in men.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 28 September 2015
Lupus Signs Symptoms

Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Usually the joint and muscle pain, rashes on skin are seen all the time but the intensity of the symptoms decrease with treatment.

  • Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain
  • Unexplained fever
  • Red rashes, most commonly on the face
  • Chest pain upon deep breathing
  • Unusual loss of hair
  • Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Sensitivity to the sun
  • Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Swollen glands
  • Extreme fatigue 
Changed
22/Apr/2025
Condition

Stories

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    Gopa, 49 from Mumbai was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis soon after her breast cancer treatment ended. She shares the complications that Lupus brought and the lifestyle changes that have helped her. Please tell us a bit about your condition  I have Lupus Nephritis (stage 5) and a blockage in the heart which is being treated with medicines. When were you diagnosed? What were the early symptoms? Well in 2000, I was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer and had treatment going on till 2002.…
  • A panel with a green ribbon and text saying Are women more at risk of kidney disease
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    On World Kidney Day, Dr Jayesh Lele, earlier National Secretary, Indian Medical Association, helps us understand why women are more likely to have an increased risk of kidney diseases than men. The theme for World Kidney Day 2018 is  ‘Kidneys & Women's Health: Include, Value, Empower’. It aptly highlights the importance of women’s kidneys health and the need to create awareness amongst women as well as give them equal access to healthcare all over the country. Researchers have shown…
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  • Extraordinary Stories of Yoga Complementing Healing and Management of Chronic Conditions
    Does Yoga help people manage chronic conditions and the various symptoms? On International Yoga Day, we speak to a cross section of people who believe strongly that yoga has contributed greatly in their journey of recovery1.  Mr Purushotaman - Parkinsons Mr. Purushotaman is 77-years-old and has had Parkinson's for 4 years. An unassuming gentleman, Mr. Purushotaman is extremely regular for all meetings and yoga sessions conducted by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s. Parivarthan is a…
  • Stem cell transplant is feasible for leukemia and more
    Texan Chuck Dandridge became the first adult in the U.S. to receive a newly modified stem cell transplant that uses genetically engineered blood cells from a family member. This was announced by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center where the procedure was performed. PatientsEngage interviewed Dr. Madhuri Vusirikala, Director of UT Southwestern’s National Marrow Donor Program, part of the stem cell transplant program.    1.…
  • Lupus Types Complications
    Forms of Lupus
    There are several types of lupus: 1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the form of the disease that most people are referring to when they say “lupus”. The word “systemic” means the disease can affect many parts of the body. Although SLE usually first affects people between the ages of 15 and 45 years, it can occur in childhood or later in life as well.  2. Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic skin disorder in which a red, raised rash appears on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The…
  • Lupus Causes
    Lupus Causes and Risks
    Although the exact cause of lupus and other autoimmune diseases is unknown, most believe that lupus results from both genetic and environmental stimuli. Since lupus is known to occur within families, doctors believe that it is possible to inherit a genetic predisposition to lupus. It is probable that having an inherited predisposition for lupus makes the disease more likely only after coming into contact with some environmental trigger. The higher number of lupus cases in females than in males…
  • Lupus Signs Symptoms
    Lupus Symptoms and Signs
    Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Usually the joint and muscle pain, rashes on skin are seen all the time but the intensity of the symptoms decrease with treatment. Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain Unexplained fever Red rashes, most commonly on the face Chest pain upon deep breathing Unusual loss of hair Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon) Sensitivity to the sun…
  • Lupus Management
    Management of Lupus
    What you can do to cope up with the disease It is vital that you take an active role in your treatment. One key to living with lupus is to know about the disease and its impact. Being able to spot the warning signs of a flare-up can help you prevent the flare or make the symptoms less severe. Many people with lupus have certain symptoms just before a flare, such as: Feeling more tired Pain Rash Fever Stomach ache Headache Dizziness You should see your doctor often, even when symptoms are not…
  • Lupus Treatment
    Lupus Treatment
    There is no cure for lupus. However, treatment options to control symptoms are available. Most people with lupus can lead active, healthy lives. Treatment plans should meet the individual patient's needs and may change over time. To develop a treatment plan, the doctor tries to: Prevent flares Treat flares when they do occur Minimise complications Mild forms of the disease may be treated with:  NSAIDs for joint symptoms, after talking with your doctor  Corticosteroid creams for…