Author summerrain23 says: 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 which may be affected during the course of lupus are illustrated at the right. 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. JOINTS Arthritis is very common in people who have lupus. There may be pain, with or without swelling. Stiffness and pain may be especially evident in the morning. Arthritis may be a problem for only a few days to weeks or may be a permanent feature of the disease. Fortunately, arthritis is usually not crippling. KIDNEYS Kidney involvement in people with lupus is potentially life-threatening and may occur in up to half of lupus patients. Kidney problems may become apparent when lupus patients feel ill with arthritis, have a rash, fever and weight loss. Less often, kidney disease may occur when there are no other symptoms of lupus. Kidney disease itself usually does not produce symptoms until it is in the advanced stages. It is important that kidney disease be diagnosed early and treated appropriately. The earliest signs of kidney disease are apparent from a urinalysis. BLOOD Blood involvement can occur with or without other symptoms. Patients may have dangerous reductions in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets (cells which help clot the blood). Sometimes changes in blood counts may contribute to symptoms of fatigue (low red blood cell count, anemia), serious infections (low white blood cell count), or easy bruising (low platelet count). However, many patients do not have symptoms that indicate blood abnormalities, so it is important for lupus patients to have periodic blood tests in order to detect any problems. Blood clots are seen with increased frequency in lupus. Clots often occur in the legs (a vein clot, called deep venous thrombosis), lungs (a lung clot, called pulmonary embolus), or brain (stroke). Blood clots that develop in lupus patients may be associated with the production of antiphospholipid antibodies. These antibodies are abnormal proteins which may increase the tendency of the blood to clot. BRAIN Brain involvement is fortunately a rare problem in people with lupus. When present, it may cause confusion, depression, seizures and rarely strokes. HEART AND LUNGS Heart and lung involvement is often caused by inflammation of the covering of the heart (pericardium) and lungs (pleura). When these structures become inflamed, patients may develop chest pain, irregular heart beat and accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleuritis or pleurisy) and heart (pericarditis). Feb 28, 2008