Lupus affects most parts of the body including the skin, joints, organs and the immune system. patients may feel tired and weak.
SKIN - two-thirds of patients get a rash. some might get the 'butterfly' rash on their nose and cheeks or mouth sores. you can also get hives or altered skin colouring. one third of patients get Raynaud’s phenomenon which is when the fingers go white then blueish when exposed to stress, cold or vibration.
JOINTS - nine out of ten patients experience joint pain and imflammation in their hands, wrists and feet. it is usually most painful in the morning and eases out during the day.
HAIR - sometimes hair loss will occur. it is usually temporary and can be cured with a variety of remmedies.
MUSCLES - muscle ache, or myalgia, occurs in two thirds of patients. the pain is experienced between the neck and elbow and the knee and hip.
HEART - a quarter of people with lupus get an imflammation of the heart sac called pericarditis. they ease the pain by bending forward.
BLOOD - Lupus affects the cells of blood, resulting in blood not clotting and not enough blood cells (anaemia)
IMMUNE SYSTEM - a disease called lymphadenopathy can sometimes occur. it is when the lymph nodes become swollen.
