There are guidelines which have been developed by the American College of Rheumatology which are used to diagnose lupus. Symptoms of lupus may start in a variety of ways. A child may be very ill or have only mild symptoms. The most common symptoms in children are rash, fever, fatigue, and joint pain and swelling. Decreased appetite and weight loss are particularly common in children during the active phase of the disease.
Many children have rashes that can appear on the face or anywhere on the body.
Ulcers of the mouth and nose are common in children with lupus. Visual changes can also occur, making it important to have frequent checks by an eye doctor. Changes in mood or behavior can occur in children with lupus. These can be an understandable reaction to having an illness. Feelings of sadness or irritability do not necessarily mean there is central nervous system involvement.