Researchers do not yet understand all of the factors that cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus, and this is an active area of research. Return to Top Symptoms of Lupus Each person's experience with lupus is different. Symptoms can range from mild too severe and may come and go over time. Common symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, and skin rashes. Other rashes occur elsewhere on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands.
Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, depression, or seizures.
New symptoms may continue to appear years after the initial diagnosis, and different symptoms can occur at different times. In some people with lupus, only one system of the body such as the skin or joints is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected also varies from person to person. Most commonly, joints and muscles are affected, causing arthritis and muscle pain.