What problems may lupus patients develop?
Many patients with active lupus feel poorly in general and complain of fever, weight loss and tiredness. Patients with lupus also develop specific problems when the immune system attacks a particular organ(s) or area(s) in the body. Specific areas of the body that may be affected during the course of lupus are illustrated at the right. The blood may also be affected during the course of lupus, resulting in low red blood cell count (anemia), low white blood cell count and low platelet count. Skin Skin problems are a common feature of lupus. Some patients with lupus have a red rash over their cheeks and the bridge of their nose. Because the location of this rash is the same as the common markings of a wolf, the name “lupus” (wolf in Latin) was given to this disease many years ago. Other skin problems that occur include large red, circular rashes (plaques), which may scar (called discoid lupus). Skin rashes are usually aggravated by sunlight. Hair loss and mouth sores are also common. Joi
