Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Symptoms

Most patients with this condition have only a limited skin disorder. In only about 10% of cases does discoid lupus develop into full-blown SLE.

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) can cause skin lesions on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight. These lesions do not cause scarring.

Vasculitis. Patients with SLE sometimes develop inflammation in the blood vessels (vasculitis) that may have the following effects on the skin:

Red welts may form across large areas of the body.
Sometimes deep red bumps may appear, particularly on the leg, where they may ulcerate.
In some people, reddish-purple lesions appear on the pads of fingers and toes or near the nails of fingers and toes.
Lesions caused by vasculitis may ulcerate or blister if they erupt on mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or vagina and can be painful if they occur on the throat.

Click the icon to see an image of vasculitis.

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Other SLE Symptoms

Other symptoms include:

Fatigue
Loss of appetite, nausea, and weight loss
Chest pain
Bruising
Menstrual irregularities
Thought and concentration disturbances
Personality changes
Sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea
Dryness of the eyes and mouth
Brittle hair or hair loss

Hair loss orbreakagemay also occur in about half of patients with SLE during severe flares or after pregnancy or severe illness. In such cases, hair grows back