What are the earliest signs of lupus that most people miss?

Lupus is a condition that can be tricky to diagnose because its early signs are common in other illnesses. Fatigue is one of the first signs and can be overlooked as just being tired. Joint pain, especially in the hands and feet, is another early symptom that can be mistaken for arthritis or other joint issues. Skin rashes, particularly a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, are also common but may be confused with other skin problems.

Here are some early signs to watch for:

1. Fatigue - Feeling very tired even after a good night's sleep.
2. Joint Pain - Pain or swelling in the joints, often in the hands and feet.
3. Skin Rashes - Especially a rash across the cheeks and nose.
4. Fever - Low-grade fevers that come and go.
5. Hair Loss - Thinning hair or patches of hair falling out.

These symptoms can appear slowly over time, making them hard to connect to lupus at first. If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, it might be worth discussing them with a healthcare provider.