The signs and symptoms of lupus can vary widely from being very mild to more serious. Generally, around the time of diagnosis is when you feel the most ill.
The specific symptoms of lupus can include:

• Fatigue and tiredness - this is a very common problem for people with lupus.

• A butterfly-shaped red rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose (also known as a malar rash).

• Photosensitivity - this is when ultraviolet light, such as normal sunlight or artifical lights (fluorescent lighting or sunbeds) cause a bad lupus rash, or a lupus flare. This can happen on any part of the body which is exposed to ultraviolet light.

• Mouth ulcers - ulcers on the tongue and inside of the mouth or nose, which are usually painless.

• Joint problems - pain, warmth, stiffness and swelling in the joints (arthritis). This type of arthritis does not generally cause long-term joint damage.

• Inflammation of the lining around the heart and lungs (serositis) may cause pain, breathing problems, or fluid to accumulate in these areas.

• Kidney problems - inflammation may cause damage to the kidneys (nephritis) and if untreated may result in kidney failure. This is more commonly seen in children and young people than adults.

• Inflammation in the brain can cause headaches, fatigue, memory loss, mood swings and very occasionally more serious problems such as fits (seizures).

However, you probably will not experience all of these symptoms.