1. Fatigue: One of the most common and earliest signs of lupus is extreme fatigue. People with lupus often experience extreme exhaustion and lack of energy, even after getting plenty of rest.
2. Fever: Unexplained fever is a common symptom of lupus. People with lupus may have several days of high fever, followed by days of lower fever or no fever at all.
3. Joint Pain: Joint pain, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees, is one of the most common symptoms of lupus. This pain is usually accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and redness in the affected areas.
4. Rashes: Most people with lupus will develop a butterfly-shaped rash on their face. This rash typically appears on the bridge of the nose and cheeks. Other types of rashes may appear on other parts of the body.
5. Organ Involvement: While skin and joint problems are the most common symptoms of lupus, the disease can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. People with lupus may experience kidney problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches.