Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) ICD-10: M32.9

Autoimmune

Often searched as: butterfly rash on face, red rash on cheeks, autoimmune skin disease, hair falling out in patches, skin sensitive to sun, tired joints hurt all the time, red blotchy rash face neck, what is lupus…

Clinical urgency level

lowmediumhigh

Systems Affected

skinjointskidneysheartlungsbloodcentral nervous system

Severity Levels

mild

Skin rash, joint pain, and fatigue with no major organ involvement.

moderate

Recurring flares affecting skin, joints, and blood (anemia, low platelets), requiring systemic treatment.

severe

Organ-threatening involvement — lupus nephritis, CNS lupus, serositis, or severe hematologic disease requiring aggressive immunosuppression.

Red Flags

Sudden change in urine color or foamy urine (possible kidney involvement)
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Confusion, seizures, or neurological symptoms
Severe anemia or unexplained bruising/bleeding
High fever without clear infection source
Rapidly spreading or worsening rash

Clinical Presentation

Classic butterfly (malar) rash across cheeks and nose in SLE

Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Discoid lupus erythematosus lesions on scalp

View gallery on DermNet NZ (image gallery reference)

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor promptly if you notice a butterfly-shaped facial rash, hair loss in patches, joint swelling lasting more than a few days, or extreme fatigue. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, neurological symptoms, or blood in urine.

Differential Diagnosis

Rosacea (facial rash similarity)
Rheumatoid arthritis (joint involvement)
Dermatomyositis (skin and muscle overlap)
Mixed connective tissue disease
Drug-induced lupus
Sjogren's syndrome
Fibromyalgia (fatigue and pain overlap)

Comorbidities

Antiphospholipid syndrome
Thyroid disease (Hashimoto's)
Sjögren's syndrome
Cardiovascular disease
Osteoporosis (from chronic corticosteroid use)
Depression and anxiety

Prognosis

With modern treatment, most people with lupus have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. The disease follows a relapsing-remitting course. Organ involvement (especially kidneys and CNS) worsens prognosis. African-American, Hispanic, and Asian women tend to have more severe disease. Early diagnosis and adherence to treatment significantly improve outcomes.

Detailed Overview

Causes, Symptoms, and When to Take Action Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as lupus, is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation that can affect the skin, joints, blood, kidneys, lungs, heart and other parts of the body. How It Looks Texture: Skin may show a red rash or lesions; joints may be swollen; internal organs may show signs of dysfunction. Color: Characteristic 'butterfly' facial rash (across cheeks and nose) is common; skin may also become sensitive to sunlight. Shape: Rash often has diffuse or patchy appearance; hair loss may leave smooth bald patches; joint swelling may be symmetrical. Location: Skin-exposed areas (face, neck), joints (hands, wrists), and any affected organs (e.g., kidneys, lungs) may show symptoms. Why Does It Appear? The immune system erroneously attacks the body's own healthy cells due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Sunlight exposure, infections, and hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate disease activity. Because major organs and multiple systems may be involved, lupus is considered systemic when it extends beyond the skin. Should You Be Concerned? Yes. Although many people with lupus have mild disease, it can sometimes involve serious complications: Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis), heart and lung involvement, blood disorders, and increased risk of blood clots. If symptoms persist, worsen, or expand to internal organs, medical evaluation is essential. Early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring improve outcomes. Can You Prevent It? There is no known way to prevent lupus entirely. You can reduce flare-ups and protect your body by limiting sun exposure, using sun protection, monitoring for early symptoms, and managing general health (sleep, stress, infections). 👉 How Piel AI Can Help Piel AI can help you document changes over time — skin rashes, hair loss, lesions — via regular imaging. While not a diagnostic tool, it assists in noticing changes or new signs that should prompt professional care. Summary Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease with widespread inflammation. It affects skin, joints, blood, and internal organs. Triggered by a mix of genetics, environment and immune system dysregulation. Recognition of symptoms, sun protection, and professional guidance are key.

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