Lupus
Symptoms
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic inflammatory disease caused by the deposition of immune complexes formed by autoantibodies in various tissues. It can lead to widespread inflammation and is accompanied by various symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Since the organs affected can vary from one lupus patient to another, the symptoms that manifest also differ. Some cases may be severe and acute, while others may be mild and chronic. Symptoms can be temporary or persistent. The following are common symptoms of this condition:
Joint pain and swelling, usually an early symptom (present in over 85% of cases).
Skin rash (approximately 80% of cases): Patients are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet light, and exposure to sunlight can cause red rashes. There are two main types of skin rashes:
Butterfly rash (acute erythematous rash): Red rashes appear on the bridge of the nose and cheeks, commonly known as "butterfly rash." About 50% of patients initially present with rashes on the cheeks, while some may develop rashes months or years after the onset of the disease. The rash initially appears on the cheeks, and in some patients, it spreads to the bridge of the nose, forming a typical butterfly-shaped pattern.
Discoid rash (chronic erythematous rash): Bluish-purple disc-shaped rashes appear on various parts of the body such as the back of the hands, chest, scalp, and cheeks. Patients with this type of rash often have milder symptoms, with less involvement of other organs. In rare cases, some patients may develop bullous lesions characterized by small blisters on the skin.
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Unusual fatigue
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Weight loss
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Non-infectious high fever or fainting
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Raynaud's phenomenon: Fingers or toes turn white when exposed to cold or pressure, followed by a bluish-purple color (25-30% of cases)
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain
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Dry eyes
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Presence of blood in urine
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Abdominal pain, nausea
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Nervousness or anxiety
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Severe headaches
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Seizures
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Impaired cognitive function, usually a later-stage symptom
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Vasculitis
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Recurrent oral ulcers
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Hair loss
Reference:
1. Kenji Matsumoto: Illustrated Immunology: Understanding the Body's Defense Mechanisms and Enhancing Protection. Taiwan Tung Fan Co., Ltd., 2020.
2. Hong Kong Rheumatism Foundation: Dancing with the Wolf: Nursing and Treatment of Lupus Erythematosus. Heaven and Earth Publishing Co., Ltd., 2017.