Lupus, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is an inflammatory disease that impacts many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidney, heart, blood cells and/or the lungs. The immune system attacks the individual's own tissues and organs as a result of the disease. The Mayo Clinic explains lupus symptoms vary a great deal from one individual to another.
Fatigue
Individuals may have severe fatigue that comes and goes while others may experience brief bouts that can interfere with daily activities, according to The Lupus Foundation of America. The joints can become weak, swollen or stiff as a result of lupus.
Skin Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists several skin symptoms of lupus, including a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the bridge of the nose and the cheeks, lesions that appear in the sun or worsen with sun exposure, hair loss, susceptibility to bruising, and/or fingers or toes that turn white or blue when exposed to the cold or in response to stress. The Lupus Foundation of America also suggests some individuals can develop mouth or nose ulcers.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms may occur with lupus, including weight loss, weight gain, shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, anxiety, depression or memory loss. The Lupus Foundation of America points out that lupus is referred to as the "great imitator" because it shares symptoms with other health concerns like rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems and other diseases impacting specific tissues of the body.
