Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and blood vessels. The signs and symptoms of lupus differ from person to person, and the disease can range from mild to life-threatening. Typical features of lupus include a butterfly shaped rash over the cheeks, a skin rash appearing in areas exposed to the sun, sores in the mouth and nose, arthritis involving one or more joints, kidney inflammation, neurological disorders such as headaches, personality changes, organic brain syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, sensory neuropathy, psychological problems including paranoia, mania, and schizophrenia, seizures, transverse myelitis, and paralysis and stroke. Fever, weight loss, hair loss, poor circulation in the fingers and toes, chest pain when taking deep breaths, and abdominal pain may also occur. There is no cure for lupus.
Treatment is symptomatic.
With a combination of medication, rest, exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management, most individuals with lupus can often achieve remission or an amelioration of symptoms that improves their quality of life. Medications used in the treatment of lupus may include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressants. The prognosis for lupus varies widely depending on the organs involved and the intensity of the inflammatory reaction. The course of lupus is commonly chronic and relapsing, often with long periods of remission. Most patients with lupus have a normal lifespan with periodic doctor visits and treatments with various drugs.