Lupus is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disease.
9 out of 10 people with lupus are women.
Lupus symptoms can change over time and are different for each person.
Symptoms could be:
Be light or serious
be intermittent
Lasts for a short or long time
Lupus flare-ups
Flares occur when lupus symptoms worsen or when a new symptom appears.
Symptoms of an outbreak may include:
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Fever or flu-like symptoms that are not caused by an infection
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Joint inflammation or pain
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fatigue
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Rash, tingling or numbness
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Sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose
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swelling of the legs
Lupus triggers
Common triggers that cause lupus symptoms for the first time or worsen existing symptoms include:
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emotional stress
- to take care of someone
- Work stress
- Financial concerns
- Grief or loss
- Discrimination and harassment
Childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly linked to lupus.
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Air pollution
- There
- Esmog
- Quartz dust, ozone and other suspended particles
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Exhaustion or lack of sleep
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Exposure to toxins and heavy metals
Monitoring your symptoms can be helpful in recognizing and avoiding triggers and preventing lupus flare-ups.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.