Yes, lupus can make your face appear rounder, primarily due to cortisone-related swelling (moon face) from long-term steroid treatment for lupus, or from inflammation causing facial swelling, but it can also manifest as specific round, disc-like skin lesions (discoid lupus) on the face. While the "butterfly rash" (malar rash) is famous, it's different from a round face shape, but discoid lupus creates distinct round, scaly patches on cheeks and nose that can lead to scarring.
Cutaneous involvement in lupus erythematosus (LE) is quite common and includes a broad range of manifestations. Although facial swelling with erythema is a common presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it is quite an infrequent manifestation of exclusively cutaneous lupus.
Lupus can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms often are like those of other illnesses. A common sign of lupus is a facial rash that looks like butterfly wings across both cheeks. The rash gets worse when in the sun. Many but not all people with lupus get this rash.
In addition to lupus symptoms, many also struggle with their weight. Obesity is more common in people with lupus than the general population.
About 25% of people with lupus experience lesions that affect the mouth, nose, and sometimes even the eyes. These lesions may feel like small ulcers or “canker sores.” Such sores are not dangerous but can be uncomfortable if not treated.
Lupus can attack many different parts of the body. Some call it the cruel mystery. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can strike any part of the body, but the wide range of symptoms can be easily mistaken for something else.
Alopecia (hair loss) and skin issues like the butterfly rash are common symptoms of lupus that affect your appearance. For some, the onset of these symptoms can be very upsetting and lead to low self-esteem and other emotional issues.
While lupus can make it challenging to manage your weight, taking these steps can help:
Fatigue or extreme tiredness
The most common symptom of lupus is fatigue, which means feeling extremely tired. Fatigue can affect a person's physical and mental health and quality of life. It can also make it hard for people with lupus to socially connect with others.
The 11 criteria included were malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, alopecia, Raynaud phenomenon, oral/nasal ulcers, arthritis (non-erosive arthritis involving 2 or more peripheral joints), serositis (pleurisy or pericarditis), renal disease (proteinuria greater than 500 mg daily or cellular RBC, granular, ...
Lupus rashes can last for days to weeks. Some types of rashes, like discoid lupus rashes, may last for months to years in some cases. Some rash complications may be permanent, like scarring, although they may fade over time or with treatments.
Lupus can also affect your hair and nails
The most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can cause dry, coarse hair to develop along the hairline. These dry, coarse hairs break off easily, causing the sparse-looking hair known as lupus hair. Other types of hair loss also develop.
Some lupus complications can include:
One of the most significant dangers of untreated lupus is the potential for organ damage. The inflammation caused by the immune system's misguided attacks can result in irreversible harm to organs and tissues.
What are lupus flares?
The most useful tests identify certain autoantibodies that are often present in the blood of lupus patients. A biopsy of the skin or kidneys may also be ordered if those organs are affected. The doctor will look at the entire picture — medical history, symptoms and test results — to determine if you have lupus.
Many people with lupus have trouble sleeping. If you are waking up a lot at night or having trouble falling asleep, this can lead to more tiredness and fatigue throughout the day.
The medicines used most often to manage lupus include:
Yes. Weight gain from lupus is common, especially if you're taking high doses of corticosteroids or your mobility is affected.
Careers That May Trigger Lupus Symptoms
In general, some types of jobs may be harder for people with lupus to manage, including: Physically demanding jobs like construction, waiting tables, or nursing. Outdoor jobs like landscaping or lifeguarding.
You can live with lupus for years, or even decades, without knowing, as its symptoms mimic many other conditions, leading to long diagnostic delays (often 6 years or more), but the real danger isn't the undiagnosed state but the potential for untreated organ damage, making early diagnosis crucial for managing flares and preventing severe complications like kidney failure or infections, which impact long-term outcomes.
Once your optometrist is aware that you have lupus, they may adjust your exam to include tests that specifically check for inflammation, blood vessel damage, or dryness. These tests can help identify symptoms of lupus in the eye early, before they begin to affect your vision for the long term.
With lupus, avoid excessive sun, infections, and stress; don't skip medications, smoke, or overexert yourself; and be cautious with certain supplements (like Echinacea), high-sodium foods, and some medications, always consulting your doctor before starting or stopping anything new.
Types of Lupus