Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that is often defined as an inflammatory disease that disrupts the natural immune system of the body. In a normal person, the immune system will protect the body from infection. In a person with lupus, the body starts attacking its own tissues mistaking them for foreign invaders. Lupus is not only a painful and chronic condition that is known to cause great discomfort to the person suffering from it. A chronic illness is one when the symptoms remain for at least six weeks and can extend for several years. However, lupus does not show the same chronic symptoms in everyone. In some people, it shows only mild symptoms whereas in some others it shows such severe symptoms that the person that forces the individual to refrain from performing his regular tasks.

There are two kinds of lupus, namely Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Studies have revealed that an estimated part of the total population of America, around 1.5 million people are suffering from this autoimmune disorder of lupus. Among this enormous number, 90 percent of the cases are with women. In other words, nine out of ten people affected by lupus are women. When lupus occurs in men, the symptoms turn out to be severe. The condition is commonly diagnosed in people between 15 and 44 years of age. However, the disease can occur in older individuals as well.

So, to understand whether you have lupus or not, here are some early lupus symptoms that you must always check so that the condition can be managed and prevented from becoming a chronic illness.

Butterfly rash
Among all other symptoms, the most common and one of the early lupus symptoms to show itself is the butterfly rash. It is also one of the most easily spotted ones among the other symptoms. This bumpy rash often leads to a redness which persists all over the face. The rash spreads from the cheeks to the nose bridge. However, this rash spreads from the face to other parts of the body as well; it is not confined to the face. Apart from the face, the most common area where the rash develops is the chest. Those with sensitive skin face even more difficulties.

Blue fingers
It may sound weird, but this does happen and is an active symptom of lupus. Sometimes, secondary Reynaud’s arises due to lupus as lupus leads to problems with the circulatory system. So, if you want to look for early lupus symptoms, you better keep a check on the color of your fingers. The blood vessels that are present at the fingertips and toes get clogged, and thus blood circulation is not allowed at the fingertips. This leads to the bluish color of the fingers.

Fatigue
Though it is not an obvious symptom and may occur due to many reasons, fatigue is also one of the early lupus symptoms. Feeling sleepy doesn’t always signal a fatigue. When you feel exhausted without any appropriate reason and always feel like lying around and resting, you might be suffering from fatigue. And fatigue is definitely one of the early lupus symptoms.

Sores
Sores are another of the physically visible early lupus symptoms after butterfly rash and blue fingers. Sores or ulcers are found inside the mouth of those who are suffering from lupus. They are not only discomforting but also extremely painful.

Excessive hair fall
Excessive and needless hair fall is another of the many early lupus symptoms and is very clearly visible. Also, the scalp becomes rough and dry too.

Swollen legs
Another early symptom of the condition is the swollen legs. Swollen legs include swollen calves and swollen ankles as well. It is indeed one of the very early symptoms of this disease. The lower cuff becomes puffed up than before, and thus a noticeable weight is gained in the lower portion of the body.

Fever
Fever is a symptom of many diseases, and lupus isn’t an exception. A fever is seen in many individuals who have lupus. However, the fever is generally not too high and stays a bit over 100-degree Fahrenheit.

A headache and joint pain
A tremendous headache and a consistent joint pain are one of the early lupus symptoms. The joint gets swollen resulting in a condition that is often referred to as the lupus arthritis.

If an individual displays any of the early lupus symptoms, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. While people with mild symptoms need no or minimal treatment, those with serious symptoms may require strong medications. Thus, when you feel the symptoms getting severe, visit an expert without delay.