The other type, called discoid lupus erythematosus, affects only your skin. No one knows what causes the disease. People of all ages, races and both sexes get lupus. However, it is about ten times more common in women than men. About 500,000 Americans have lupus.
Different people get different symptoms.
Lupus can harm your kidneys a little or a lot. Since these filtering units clear your blood of waste, damage to them can cause your kidneys to work poorly or not at all. About 90 percent of lupus patients will have some kidney damage but only 2 to 3 percent actually develop kidney disease severe enough to require treatment. However, you may have dark urine, flank pain, high blood pressure, weight gain from extra fluid, and swelling around your eyes and of your hands and feet. Your doctor will do a physical examination, get your medical history, and do special tests such as x-rays and blood test for antinuclear antibody.