Systemic lupus erythematoses is a chronic autoimmune disease. SLE is characterized by the production of unusual antibodies in the blood and it affects women more than men.
Symptoms
- Severe fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Headache
- A rash on the cheeks and nose, which is called a “butterfly rash”
- Hair loss
- Anemia
- Blood clotting problems
- fingers turning white or blue and tingling when cold, which is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon
- low-grade fever
- loss of appetite and nausea
Signs
- butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Photosensitivity
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Pleuritis
- Pericarditis
Causes
- ultraviolet rays
- certain medications
- viruses
- physical or emotional stress
- trauma
- Genetics