Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. You may notice a wide array of symptoms, including skin rashes, fatigue, and joint pain.

Getting a lupus diagnosis can be tricky. Symptoms of lupus overlap with the symptoms of other health conditions, and there is no single test that can definitively diagnose this autoimmune disorder.

If you’ve been noticing unusual symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Depending on your symptoms, they may refer you to a rheumatologist (a doctor who treats lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other related conditions).

Lupus Self-Screen Checklist

Keeping a careful log of your symptoms can help a healthcare provider determine the best next steps for diagnosing a medical condition.

Filling out the checklist below can help you prepare for a visit with your primary care provider or a specialist.

Skin and Eye Symptoms

Check the box if you’ve experienced any of the skin and eye symptoms listed below.

Skin rashes, such as a “butterfly rash” on the face
Sensitivity to sun exposure
Hair loss
Mouth sores or nose sores
Dry or red eyes

Heart and Lung Symptoms

Check the box if you’ve experienced any of the heart and lung symptoms listed below.

Breathing difficulty
Chest pain
Fast heartbeat or heart palpitations

Muscle and Joint Symptoms

Check the box if you’ve experienced any of the muscle or joint symptoms listed below.

Joint pain
Swelling or stiffness in the joints
Muscle aches
Muscle weakness

Brain Symptoms

Check the box if you’ve experienced any of the neurological symptoms listed below.

Confusion or brain fog
Headaches
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Seizures

Other Symptoms

Check the box if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed below.

Unintentional weight changes
Fatigue
Reduced appetite
Fevers or infections
Bleeding or bruising
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Urine changes

Sharing your symptoms with your doctor can help them narrow down which health conditions could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will likely order blood and urine tests to help determine if you have lupus or another disease with similar symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you noticed any possible lupus symptoms? Have you talked to your doctor about them? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.