6 Early Warning Signs of Lupus

4. Fever and Flu-like Symptoms

Low-grade fevers and general malaise can precede other lupus symptoms.

Characteristics:

• Persistent or recurrent fever without infection
• Muscle aches, headaches, or generalized discomfort
• Fatigue accompanying fever

Why it happens:

• Chronic inflammation stimulates the immune system, causing mild fever
• Immune dysregulation contributes to systemic symptoms resembling viral infections

Action:

• Persistent unexplained fevers should be evaluated to rule out autoimmune disease or infections.

5. Kidney Problems

Kidritis or lupus nephritis is a serious complication of lupus that can appear early in the disease.

Symptoms to watch for:

• swelling around the eyes, ankles, or legs
• Foamy or dark-colored urine
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue from kidney dysfunction

Why it happens:

• Immune complexes deposit in the kidneys, causing inflammation and impaired filtration
• In order to avoid irreversible kidney injury, early detection is essential.

Action:

• Regular urine tests, kidney function assessments, and follow-up with a nephrologist can prevent progression.

6. Hair Loss and Mouth Ulcers

Other early signs of lupus include hair loss and oral or nasal ulcers.

Hair loss:

• Patchy thinning or shedding of hair, often over the scalp
• Can be temporary or persistent depending on disease activity

Mouth and nasal ulcers:

• Painless sores inside the mouth or nose
• May appear intermittently during flare-ups

Why it happens:

• Autoimmune attacks affect hair follicles and mucosal tissues
• Often occur alongside other systemic symptoms

Action:

• Hair loss and ulcers, combined with other lupus signs, should prompt medical evaluation for autoimmune testing.