Living with lupus can affect many parts of daily life. Lupus symptoms may influence your energy, how comfortable it is to move, how clearly you can think, and how you feel emotionally.

In a recent MyLupusTeam poll, members shared which type of symptom has been affecting their day the most lately.

These results reflect the experiences of MyLupusTeam members who answered the poll, not everyone living with lupus. Still, their comments show how often symptoms overlap. Fatigue may come with pain, brain fog may lead to frustration, and a difficult physical day may also take an emotional toll.

Physical symptoms were the top response, selected by 60.8 percent of members who answered the poll. Following are some of the most common symptoms members described. Everyone’s experience is different, and it’s possible to have concerns that aren’t listed below.

Fatigue

Lupus fatigue can feel different from ordinary tiredness. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of lupus, and it can interfere with work, household responsibilities, social plans, and self-care.

One MyLupusTeam member summed up the impact simply: “The fatigue is overwhelming.”

Some members also described exhaustion that continued despite rest or made it difficult to get through ordinary activities.

Joint Pain, Swelling, and Stiffness

Joint pain and swelling are common in lupus. Pain and stiffness can affect walking, dressing, cooking, typing, sleeping, and other everyday activities.

For one MyLupusTeam member, the problem feels constant: “Joint pain day and night.”

Rashes and Skin Symptoms

Lupus can also cause skin rashes, sores, and other skin changes. Members described rashes that appeared suddenly or returned after another had cleared. These skin symptoms can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

One MyLupusTeam member described this cycle: “Lately, joint pain and rashes. I just get one rash cleared up, and then I get a rash in another spot.”

“Lately, joint pain and rashes. I just get one rash cleared up, and then I get a rash in another spot.”

 

— A MyLupusTeam member

Headaches, Muscle Pain, and Other Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms didn’t always fit neatly into fatigue, joint, or skin categories. Members also reported headaches, dizziness, muscle pain, swelling, weakness, dry mouth, mouth sores, and problems with their hands.

People with lupus may experience headaches and muscle pain. Lupus can also be linked to mouth sores and oral health problems.

One member described how muscle symptoms affected movement: “My elbows and thighs hurt upon waking up. I feel weak and some pain when walking.”

“My elbows and thighs hurt upon waking up. I feel weak and some pain when walking.”

 

— A MyLupusTeam member

These symptoms can affect eating, sleeping, movement, and other daily routines.

More than 1 in 4 respondents, 25.6 percent, chose “It varies day to day/Other.” That result reflects how lupus symptoms can change or flare over time.

For some people, it’s also difficult to name just one symptom as the biggest problem. Several may occur at the same time. One MyLupusTeam member described a mix of symptoms: “Extreme fatigue, achy joints, rashes, digestive issues, skin infections (cellulitis).”

One day may be dominated by fatigue or joint pain. Another may bring a rash, headache, weakness, brain fog, or emotional stress.

Mental symptoms had the greatest day-to-day impact for 8.9 percent of respondents. Members most often described brain fog and difficulty with memory or concentration.

One MyLupusTeam member described how brain fog could suddenly interrupt a conversation: “I forget what I am saying midsentence.”

“I forget what I am saying midsentence.”

 

— A MyLupusTeam member

Brain fog may affect work, conversations, appointments, and everyday organization. It can also overlap with physical symptoms such as fatigue.

Emotional symptoms had the greatest daily effect for 4.8 percent of respondents. Members described anxiety, stress, depression, and frustration.

Lupus can affect mental health as well as memory and thinking. Member comments also illustrate how emotional, mental, and physical symptoms may occur together.

One MyLupusTeam member described that connection: “The more I stress, the more my flare-ups, fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain gets worse.”

“The more I stress, the more my flare-ups, fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain gets worse.”

 

— A MyLupusTeam member