7 Lupus Symptoms and Risk Factors

 

Lupus is an autoimmune disease (when your body’s defense systems turn on you) and can cause chronic conditions lasting for years. Cases of lupus can range from relatively mild to life threatening, so recognizing and treating this condition early is very important.

According to Lupus.org, as many as 1.5 million Americans are living with Lupus, making it a widespread problem. While the disease is not contagious according to the source, here are 7 risk factors and symptoms to pay attention to that may require medical attention…

1. Fatigue is Common

This symptom of Lupus makes it difficult to distinguish from other disorders including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and even Lyme Disease (from a tick bite). According to Healthline.com, about 90-percent of Lupus sufferers will experience fatigue.

The source notes that taking a nap can improve energy levels for those with Lupus (while fatigue related to other diseases isn’t improved with rest). In cases of “debilitating” fatigue from Lupus, a doctor may be able to administer treatment to put more spring in your step.

2. Hair Loss can Occur

Because of the inflammation caused by Lupus, hair often becomes a casualty, notes the Mayo Clinic. The face and scalp are usually targets of skin inflammation related to the diseases, adds the source.

This means aside from losing hair from the top of your head, you can even experience eyebrow and beard loss. The hair loss can be subtle and gradual, or can cause hair to fall out in clumps in some cases, explains the clinic.

3. Genetics Play a Role

Although it’s not a high percentage, Lupus.org explains you have about a five to 13-percent chance of developing the disease if you have relatives with it. The higher number seems to indicate a solid link to family health history.

However, the same source notes that if only the mother of a child has lupus, then the child only has a 5-percent chance of developing it. That being said, more than 90-percent of lupus sufferers are female.

4. Chemical Exposure may be a Trigger

According to WebMD, one of the risk factors of a “lupus attack” is exposure to chemicals, namely trichloroethylene found in well water, and silica dust (an industrial material). A lupus attack shows the disease can go into remission, but suddenly rear its ugly head.

A New York Times article from 2013 also notes other chemicals that may be linked to lupus include chlorinated pesticides. WebMD explains that at one time certain hair dyes and straighteners were suspected of being lupus risks, but apparently research has shown otherwise.

5. Pain is a Marker

Lupus can come with painful, swollen joints that may confuse some medical professionals to consider arthritis as the cause. With lupus related joint pain, apparently the stiffness is worst in the morning. The pain itself starts off mild, and then increases as the disease progresses.

HealthLine notes that over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce pain and swelling, although doctors can likely offer a better treatment plan if that doesn’t help. However, as mentioned before, your doctor first has to ensure it’s lupus you’re dealing with.

6. Lupus Can Cause Seizures

Like another disease, Epilepsy, lupus can trigger seizures in the sufferer. In fact, information about lupus-induced seizures is posted on the Epilepsy Foundation website. 

According to the foundation, up to 50 percent of lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) sufferers experience a seizure as a result of the disease. Other neurological complications related to lupus can include strokes, dementia, psychosis and peripheral neuropathy (weakness or numbness in hands or feet), notes the source.

7. There’s Often a Telltale Rash

While many symptoms of lupus tend to be in common with other autoimmune diseases, there’s one that seems to stand out for lupus on its own. That’s a “butterfly” shaped rash that appears across the face.

These are called acute cutaneous lupus lesions according to Lupus.org, and the rash appears when lupus is active. Rashes associated with the disease can appear elsewhere on the body, which can be made worse with sun exposure or even from sources of artificial light.