Lupus and multiple sclerosis, or MS, are both autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease causes the body to attack itself, damaging internal structures like nerves, muscle or tissues. Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks skin, joints, organs and the nervous system. MS causes deterioration of the protective sheath around nerve cells, which results in damage to the brain and central nervous system. Both diseases are progressive, meaning they get worse over time, and both have treatments but no cure. Symptoms of MS and lupus often mimic other diseases.
MS: Weakness
Weakness and numbness in the extremities are symptoms of MS that can worsen over time. As nerves become damaged from the disease, the body is less able to receive appropriate signals from the brain for movement and function. Muscles may feel weak and less functional. Numbness can occur anywhere in the body, causing decreased sensation to hot and cold and painful stimuli. Like many MS symptoms, weakness and numbness can come and go.
Lupus: Joint Pain
Joints anywhere in the body may become swollen and painful in patients with lupus. Joints may ache, have a red, inflamed appearance and decrease in function. Mobility and everyday activities can become impaired during joint pain flares. Lupus often imitates other medical conditions; arthritis is sometimes suspected if joint pain is the only presenting symptom.
MS: Visual Disturbance
The MS disease process attacks the protective covering around nerve cells, often damaging the optic nerve early in the disease and causing blurred vision. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society advises that this symptom may be the first of MS. One or both eyes may be blurry and exhibit double vision or pain. Visual problems may come and go and be mild initially. As MS progresses, visual problems may become more severe.
Lupus: Skin Changes
Lupus is often characterized by a unique, butterfly-shaped rash that appears on both cheeks and the bridge of the nose. The rash may look like a red mask of skin and become worse if exposed to sunlight. The rash may come and go and has no notable symptoms, such as itching, besides its appearance.
Mouth sores may also appear inside the cheeks and lips in patients with lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America advises that sores may also appear on the nose and, like the facial rash, may come and go without any regular pattern of appearance. Lupus can also cause skin changes on the hands. Fingertips may turn white or blue when cold or during times of physical or mental stress, a symptom called Raynaud's phenomenon.
