What triggers lupus flare-ups and makes symptoms worse?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lupus flare-ups occur when symptoms suddenly worsen, and they are commonly triggered by stress, infections, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, certain medications, and hormonal changes. Recognizing these triggers early can help you manage lupus more effectively and reduce the frequency and severity of flares.

Because lupus symptoms often mimic other conditions and vary widely from person to person, identifying what's actually causing your discomfort can be challenging. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify your symptoms, understand possible causes, and guide your next steps—whether that means seeing a specialist, adjusting your lifestyle, or preparing better questions for your doctor. Taking a few minutes now could save you weeks of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if lupus symptoms need care today Discover likely causes of lupus flare-ups Find out if it could be lupus Explore OTC options for lupus symptom relief Find a lupus specialist near you Understand medically valid home remedies for lupus See whether your symptoms suggest a flare

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Explanation

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, can have flare-ups where symptoms become worse. These flare-ups can be triggered by several factors.

Infections: Getting sick with an infection can make lupus symptoms worse.
Stress: Feeling very stressed can also trigger a flare-up.
Sunlight: Being out in the sun too much can lead to a flare.
Hormonal Changes: Sometimes, changes in hormones can cause symptoms to get worse.

Understanding these triggers can help in managing lupus better. It's important to try and avoid these triggers when possible to keep symptoms under control. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms or think you may be having a flare-up, try our free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and when to seek medical care.

(References)

Fernandez D, & Kirou KA. (2016). What Causes Lupus Flares?. Current rheumatology reports, 26951252.
Martín Nares E, López Iñiguez A, & Ontiveros Mercado H. (2016). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Triggered by a .... Joint bone spine, 26494589.
Squance ML, Reeves GE, & Bridgman H. (2014). The Lived Experience of Lupus Flares: Features, Triggers, .... International journal of chronic diseases, 26464865.

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