Lupus can vary from mild to serious and even life-threatening. In females, symptoms tend to aggravate before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy.
The common signs of lupus are:
- Achy joints (arthralgia) and/or swollen joints (arthritis)
- Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
- Skin rashes
- Prolonged or extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Anemia
Lupus Statistics
Asians and Africans are more susceptible to lupus than Caucasians.
Women are 10-12 times more likely to develop lupus than men, and the age of onset is typically from age 20 to 50 (childbearing years).
Lupus can be fatal if not managed or treated properly, typically due to the failure of kidney functions, or brain damage. It is therefore of vital importance that lupus patients consult closely with their healthcare provider.
