Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Quiz
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Rashes
Extreme tiredness
Sudden tiredness during the day
Joint pain
Both hips hurt
Heat rash
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Heat exhaustion
Fever
Chills but no fever
Butterfly rash
Erythema
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
An autoimmune disease caused by the body's immune system attacking organs and cells. The exact cause is unclear, but risk factors include being female, childbearing age, and heredity. SLE may involve nearly every organ system in the body with a wide range of potential symptoms that often wax and wane over time.
Typical Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Whole body pain
- Hair loss
- History of connective tissue, autoimmune or rheumatic disease
- Warmth in the joints
- Fatigue or low energy that is worse in the morning
- Red rash over cheeks
- Skin over the entire body is red
- Fever
Diagnostic Questions for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have pain all over your body?
- Are you experiencing increased hair loss?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a connective tissue, autoimmune, or rheumatic disease?
- Do you feel warmth in your joints?
- Do you experience fatigue or low energy that is worse in the morning?
Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Though there is no cure, treatment aims to keep the disease inactive and ease symptoms. This is done through medications that suppress or modify the immune system. Creams can be given for rashes, and anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers for joint pain.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Kaito Nakamura, MD (Rheumatology)
Dr. Nakamura is a rheumatologist who has practiced in the Ota Nishinouchi Hospital attached to Ota General Hospital, National Health Insurance Matsudo City Hospital, Chiba University Hospital, and the National Health Insurance Asahi Central Hospital.
Content updated on Feb 19, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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How Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
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Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- My whole body aches and I feel weak
- Loss of hair
- Body aches and chills
- Joint pain and stiffness all over body
- One or more joints feel warm
- Thinning hair
- Whole body aches no fever
- My whole body hurts
- Bald spots
- Whole body pain
- Knees hot, no pain
- Patchy hair loss
- Receding hairline
- Joint pain and redness
- Before the hair loss, the scalp was itchy
See full list
User Testimonials for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Female, 30s
I have already seen a rheumatologist within the past year because of a positive ANA result. Not my favorite doctor, to put it politely. My PCP wants to refer me for a second opinion to another rheumatologist because she believes I might have lupus. I was surprised to see that the first result Ubie gave based on my symptoms was SLE (lupus). I downloaded the report to show her because it might be helpful in the future.
(Jul 30, 2025)
Female, 40s
Ubie gave me a direction to go in when looking into possible autoimmune immune symptoms. I found it very helpful. I now plan on booking an appointment and seeing a doctor soon.
(Jun 14, 2025)
Female, 30s
The downloadable symptoms list is a game-changer for me. Also, the suggestions for narrowing down on possible conditions. I found this website to be supremely helpful for me today with what I needed to accomplish. Thank you. I will book an appointment and see a doctor right away.
(Jun 12, 2025)
Female, 20s
I have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but recently have been thinking I have something that needs more intensive and direct treatment, like Multiple Sclerosis. Ubie suggested that I look at a couple different possible conditions, and I REALLY appreciated how detailed it was! I loved that I could add specifics and that it asked me to follow up on symptoms with more clarification. It genuinely feels like the people who developed Ubie care about helping people find the right resources and information to get an accurate diagnosis and find proper care. No other website has compared to my experience with Ubie, and as someone with a chronic disability, I have had an exorbitant amount of experience. The fact that this was all free was beyond my belief. I am amazed and grateful.
(May 21, 2025)
Symptoms Related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Diseases Related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
FAQs
Q.
Can lupus affect just one part of the body, or does it always impact multiple organs?
A.
Lupus usually affects multiple parts of the body, but it can sometimes start by affecting just one area before spreading to others. See below to understand more.
References:
Siegel CH, & Sammaritano LR. (2024). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review. JAMA, 38587826.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38587826/
Muhammad O, Jindal H, Sharath M, Khan AM, & Choi S. (2021). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Multi-Organ .... Cureus, 34268044.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34268044/
Ameer MA, Chaudhry H, Mushtaq J, Khan OS, Babar M, Hashim T, et al. (2022). An Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) .... Cureus, 36407159.
Q.
Can lupus cause chest pain or breathing problems?
A.
Yes, lupus can cause chest pain and breathing problems due to inflammation and rare conditions like Shrinking Lung Syndrome. See below to understand more.
References:
Modi M, Ishimori ML, Sandhu VK, Wallace DJ, & Weisman MH. (2015). Chest pain in lupus patients: the emergency department .... Clinical rheumatology, 25912215.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25912215/
Shah K, Kondakindi H, Enabi J, & Mukkera S. (2024). Shrinking Lung Syndrome: A Rare Pulmonary .... Cureus, 39109103.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39109103/
Choudhury S, Ramos M, Anjum H, Ali M, & Surani S. (2020). A Rare Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Cureus, 32582477.
Q.
Can lupus symptoms come and go, or are they constant?
A.
Lupus symptoms can come and go, meaning they might not always be constant. See below to understand more.
References:
Eudy AM, Rogers JL, Corneli A, McKenna K, Maheswaranathan M, Pisetsky DS, et al. (2022). patient perspectives on two distinct patterns of Type 2 SLE .... Lupus science & medicine, 36927502.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36927502/
Sticherling M. (2013). [Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and skin manifestations .... Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie, 23743985.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23743985/
Kuhn A, & Landmann A. (2014). The classification and diagnosis of cutaneous lupus .... Journal of autoimmunity, 24486120.
Q.
Do lupus symptoms affect men and women differently?
A.
Yes, lupus symptoms can affect men and women differently. Men with lupus may have more severe symptoms and different organ involvement compared to women. See below to understand more.
References:
Macêdo EA, Appenzeller S, & Costallat LT. (2016). Gender differences in systemic lupus erythematosus .... Lupus, 26989166.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26989166/
Stefanidou S, Benos A, Galanopoulou V, Chatziyannis I, Kanakoudi F, Aslanidis S, et al. (2011). Clinical expression and morbidity of systemic lupus .... Lupus, 21700658.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21700658/
Font J, Cervera R, Navarro M, Pallarés L, López-Soto A, Vivancos J, & Ingelmo M. (1992). Systemic lupus erythematosus in men. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 1417135.
Q.
How do I know if my skin rash is from lupus or just an allergy?
A.
Lupus rashes are often different from allergy rashes. Lupus rashes may appear as a butterfly shape on the face, while allergy rashes can be itchy and vary in appearance. See below to understand more.
References:
Sequeira JF, Cesic D, Keser G, Bukelica M, Karanagnostis S, Khamashta MA, & Hughes GR. (1993). Allergic disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus, 8369810.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8369810/
Hou TY, Chang DM, Gao HW, Chen CH, Chen HC, & Lai JH. (2005). Sweet's syndrome as an initial presentation in systemic .... Lupus, 15934441.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15934441/
Chasset F, Richez C, Martin T, Belot A, Korganow AS, & Arnaud L. (2019). Rare diseases that mimic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus .... Joint bone spine, 30837156.
Q.
How do lupus symptoms differ from regular fatigue or joint pain?
A.
Lupus can cause fatigue and joint pain that feel different from regular tiredness or aches because they are often more intense and persistent. See below to understand more.
References:
Kawka L, Schlencker A, Mertz P, Martin T, & Arnaud L. (2021). Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Update on .... Journal of clinical medicine, 34501444.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34501444/
Dey M, Parodis I, & Nikiphorou E. (2021). Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid .... Journal of clinical medicine, 34441861.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34441861/
Iannuccelli C, Spinelli FR, Guzzo MP, Priori R, Conti F, Ceccarelli F, et al. (2012). Fatigue and widespread pain in systemic lupus .... Clinical and experimental rheumatology, 23261010.
Q.
How is lupus diagnosed if there’s no single test for it?
A.
Lupus is diagnosed by looking at a combination of symptoms, medical history, and special blood tests, as there is no single test that can diagnose it. See below to understand more.
References:
Rekvig OP, & Van der Vlag J. (2014). The pathogenesis and diagnosis of systemic lupus .... Seminars in immunopathology, 24763531.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24763531/
Pramanik B. (2014). Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in an unusual .... Current rheumatology reviews, 25599686.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25599686/
Aringer M, & Johnson SR. (2020). Classifying and diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus .... Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 33280013.
Q.
Is lupus considered an autoimmune disease or something different?”
A.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. See below to understand more.
References:
Hoi A, Igel T, Mok CC, & Arnaud L. (2024). Systemic lupus erythematosus. Lancet (London, England), 38642569.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38642569/
Siegel CH, & Sammaritano LR. (2024). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review. JAMA, 38587826.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38587826/
Ameer MA, Chaudhry H, Mushtaq J, Khan OS, Babar M, Hashim T, et al. (2022). An Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) .... Cureus, 36407159.
Q.
What are the earliest signs of lupus that most people miss?
A.
Early signs of lupus that people often miss include tiredness, joint pain, and skin rashes. These symptoms can be mistaken for other common conditions. See below to understand more.
References:
Leuchten N, Milke B, Winkler-Rohlfing B, Daikh D, Dörner T, Johnson SR, et al. (2018). Early symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) .... Lupus, 29771193.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29771193/
Hoi A, Igel T, Mok CC, & Arnaud L. (2024). Systemic lupus erythematosus. Lancet (London, England), 38642569.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38642569/
Mosca M, Costenbader KH, Johnson SR, Lorenzoni V, Sebastiani GD, Hoyer BF, et al. (2019). How Do Patients With Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus .... Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.), 30035365.
Q.
What daily habits can help reduce lupus symptoms?
A.
Daily habits like managing stress, getting enough rest, and maintaining a balanced diet can help reduce lupus symptoms. See below to understand more.
References:
Squance ML, Reeves GE, & Bridgman H. (2014). The Lived Experience of Lupus Flares: Features, Triggers, .... International journal of chronic diseases, 26464865.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26464865/
Harry O, Crosby LE, Smith AW, Favier L, Aljaberi N, Ting TV, et al. (2019). Self-management and adherence in childhood-onset .... Lupus, 30907294.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30907294/
Kier AØ, Midtgaard J, Hougaard KS, Berggreen A, Bukh G, Hansen RB, & Dreyer L. (2016). How do women with lupus manage fatigue? A focus group .... Clinical rheumatology, 27225245.
Q.
What exactly happens in the body when someone has lupus?
A.
Lupus is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage to various organs. See below to understand more.
References:
Contin-Bordes C, Lazaro E, Pellegrin JL, Viallard JF, Moreau JF, & Blanco P. (2009). [Systemic lupus erythematosus: from pathophysiology to .... La Revue de medecine interne, 19995652.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19995652/
Moulton VR, Suarez-Fueyo A, Meidan E, Li H, Mizui M, & Tsokos GC. (2017). Pathogenesis of Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Trends in molecular medicine, 28623084.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28623084/
Crow MK. (2023). Pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: risks, .... Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 36792346.
Q.
What triggers lupus flare-ups and makes symptoms worse?
A.
Lupus flare-ups can be triggered by factors like stress, infections, and sunlight, making symptoms worse. See below to understand more.
References:
Fernandez D, & Kirou KA. (2016). What Causes Lupus Flares?. Current rheumatology reports, 26951252.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26951252/
Martín Nares E, López Iñiguez A, & Ontiveros Mercado H. (2016). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Triggered by a .... Joint bone spine, 26494589.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26494589/
Squance ML, Reeves GE, & Bridgman H. (2014). The Lived Experience of Lupus Flares: Features, Triggers, .... International journal of chronic diseases, 26464865.
Q.
What’s the difference between lupus and rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia?
A.
Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are autoimmune diseases that cause joint pain, but lupus can affect many parts of the body, while fibromyalgia mainly causes muscle pain and fatigue. See below to understand more.
References:
Pabón-Porras MA, Molina-Ríos S, Flórez-Suárez JB, Coral-Alvarado PX, Méndez-Patarroyo P, & Quintana-López G. (2019). Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. SAGE open medicine, 35154753.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35154753/
Dey M, Parodis I, & Nikiphorou E. (2021). Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid .... Journal of clinical medicine, 34441861.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34441861/
Alunno A, Carubbi F, Bartoloni E, Grassi D, Ferri C, & Gerli R. (2021). Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis versus Systemic Lupus .... Nutrients, 33673487.
Q.
How long can you live with lupus?
A.
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, can have a normal or near-normal life expectancy with appropriate management and treatment. However, the prognosis can vary significantly based on factors such as disease severity, organ involvement, and access to healthcare. Recent studies indicate that many patients live for decades after diagnosis, but they may face increased risks of complications that can affect overall health.
References:
Zen M, Salmaso L, Barbiellini Amidei C, Fedeli U, Bellio S, Iaccarino L, Doria A, Saia M. Mortality and causes of death in systemic lupus erythematosus over the last decade: Data from a large population-based study. Eur J Intern Med. 2023 Jun;112:45-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.02.004. Epub 2023 Feb 9. PMID: 36774306.
Lao C, White D, Rabindranath K, Van Dantzig P, Foxall D, Lawrenson R. Mortality and causes of death in systemic lupus erythematosus in New Zealand: a population-based study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024 May 3;63(6):1560-1567. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead427. PMID: 37632770; PMCID: PMC11147544.
Doria A, Iaccarino L, Ghirardello A, Zampieri S, Arienti S, Sarzi-Puttini P, Atzeni F, Piccoli A, Todesco S. Long-term prognosis and causes of death in systemic lupus erythematosus. Am J Med. 2006 Aug;119(8):700-6. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.11.034. PMID: 16887417.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Lazar S, Kahlenberg JM (Year). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Annual review of medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35804480/Arnaud L, Chasset F, Martin T (Year). Immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: An update. Autoimmunity reviews.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39343084/Siegel CH, Sammaritano LR (Year). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review. JAMA.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38587826/