What are the first Symptoms of Lupus

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Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that plays havoc with the joints and causes a myriad of symptoms. In this condition, the immune system goes haywire and instead of just attacking foreign bodies, turns on its own cells. This can cause a wide variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe.
The symptoms of lupus range greatly from person to person. Although there is no one symptom that characterizes every case, it is important to understand the common early symptoms so that you can identify any potential that you have for this disease.
Joint pain
According to Web MD, one of the most common first signs of lupus is joint pain. This is reported by 70% of patients as their first symptom. There are various joints that might experience pain as well as swelling and redness. These joints include the elbows, ankles and wrists.
Rash
A rash is another early symptom of lupus. The cheeks and nose are common areas where this is seen. Sores may occur, and the skin can become flaky.
The sun can have a very detrimental effect on those who have lupus. The rash often gets far worse after exposure. It is very important for those who suffer from lupus to take proper precautions regarding to the sun. This includes covering themselves or staying away from it, especially during the heart of the day.
A less common form of lupus is discoid lupus erythematosus. In this condition, only the skin is affected. Raised and red rashes emerge typically on the face or scalp.
Exhaustion
Patients with lupus will often report that they are tired. This can be slight, or it can be extreme. People who once had a lot of energy will suddenly find themselves drained. For some, it can be so extreme that everyday activities are interrupted. They may have difficulty working or carrying on with everyday life.
Fever
Some people report fever as one of the earlier symptoms of lupus. This is often mistaken for a different condition.
Although the joints and skin are the earliest victims of lupus, the disease can affect much more once it progresses. It can affect major organs such as the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys.
The early symptoms of lupus can be difficult to detect because other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Those with a family history of the disease should be extra aware because it has a genetic component. Anyone who experiences what could be the early symptoms of lupus should go to a health care provider for evaluation. The sooner she/he gets a correct diagnosis, the sooner steps can be taken to accommodate the condition.