Lupus is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body attacks its own tissues and organs. It’s not extremely common, but lupus affects 1.5 million people in the United States.24

Lupus can affect many body parts, including the skin. You can develop various symptoms, such as:25

• Abdominal pain
• Arthritis, or inflammation of your joints
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Swelling in the legs or around the eyes

Some forms of lupus only affect the skin. You may notice the following symptoms:25

• A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, which is a classic sign of lupus
• Painless sores in the nose and mouth
• Raised, disc-shaped, discolored patches on sun-exposed areas
• Round, scaly rashes anywhere on your body

Treatment Options

There’s no cure for lupus. Treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants can manage flares.