Chills aren’t a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus. But that doesn’t mean people with lupus don’t experience chills. When chills affect only one side of the body — such as just the arm or leg — they can be especially confusing and concerning. You might find yourself wondering, “Why do I feel cold on one side of my body?”

Some people describe this feeling as goosebumps on one side of the body or a sudden chill down one limb. Members of MyLupusTeam have reported this sensation: “I am experiencing an ice-cold sensation on the left side of my body — mostly in my hand and arm. I feel as though I am laying on ice. Is this a symptom of lupus?”

In these cases, other health conditions related to lupus may be at play. Learn more to understand what might be causing you to feel a sensation of coldness or shivering so you can take the next best step.

Raynaud’s Disesase

Raynaud’s disease — also called Raynaud’s phenomenon — is a condition linked to lupus. It occurs when cold temperatures or stress cause blood vessels in the hands, feet, or other areas to constrict, reducing blood flow. This can lead to coldness, numbness, and pale or discolored skin, usually in the fingers or toes.

One MyLupusTeam member shared, “I have not only lupus, but lack of circulation. … I also have Raynaud’s. My hands and feet are always ice cold.”

Lupus-related inflammation and certain blood pressure medications can both contribute to Raynaud’s. Even mild exposures — like grabbing something from the freezer or leaving part of your body uncovered in cold weather or air conditioning — can trigger symptoms, which may cause body chills or cold sensations on one side of the body. When blood flow returns, the area may tingle, burn, or swell. Attacks can last minutes to hours.

To help prevent Raynaud’s symptoms, dress warmly and avoid sudden temperature changes. If your fingers or toes start to feel numb or turn pale, try warming up gradually with gloves, socks, or warm (not hot) water.

If these symptoms are bothersome or persistent, talk with your doctor. They may recommend adjusting your treatment plan.

Stroke

Stroke — a medical emergency caused by a disruption in blood flow to the brain — can sometimes lead to feeling a cold sensation on one side of the body. This can happen when nerve pathways that regulate your body’s temperature perception are affected.

People with lupus are at a higher risk of stroke than the general population. Seek immediate medical care if you suddenly feel cold or weak on one side of your body, especially with other neurological symptoms like:

• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Dizziness
• Paralysis on one side of your body and face
• Sudden and severe headaches
• Sudden vision changes

To reduce your risk, work with your doctor to monitor lupus flares, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.

Anemia

You may experience a cold sensation if you have anemia. Anemia is a condition where you have fewer healthy red blood cells. This makes it difficult for your blood to carry oxygen to your body. Lupus may cause anemia because it can attack your red blood cells or your bone marrow, which is where red blood cells are made.

Additionally, some medications used to treat lupus, such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide, can cause anemia as a side effect.

Anemia can cause poor blood circulation, which can lead to chills, usually in the hands and feet. However, this sensation may not necessarily only be felt on one side of your body.

In addition to chills, symptoms of anemia include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• A lighter skin tone than usual
• Difficulty regulating your body temperature

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anemia, including chills in your body, it may be time to talk with your doctor. They will likely run some blood tests to determine whether you have anemia and see if your lupus or your medications are causing your symptoms. With this information, your doctor can adjust your treatment plan to also treat the anemia.

Side Effects of Lupus Medications

Some of the medications used to treat lupus can cause chills as a side effect. None of these medications is specifically linked to chills on only one side of your body, however.

Some medications that can cause chills include:

• Corticosteroids — These anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to manage lupus flares. While they help reduce inflammation, they can also cause side effects, including chills or feeling cold.
• Immunosuppressants — Medications like azathioprine, cyclosporine, and cyclophosphamide are used to suppress the overactive immune response in lupus. These drugs can sometimes cause side effects such as chills.
• Biologic therapies — Certain biologic medications used in lupus treatment — such as belimumab or anifrolumab — can affect the immune system and may lead to chills or numbness as a possible side effect.

Be sure to speak with your doctor if you think your medicine is causing chills.

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider

Chills aren’t a common symptom of lupus, so it’s important to talk to your doctor to find out what is causing them and get appropriate treatment. Many causes of chills on one side of the body could be entirely unrelated to lupus. If you experience persistent or severe chills, particularly on one side of your body, it may be a sign of an emergency, such as a stroke.

When should you be worried about chills? If they are accompanied by other serious symptoms like weakness, difficulty speaking, or confusion, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, communication is key when working with your doctors to treat your lupus and maintain a good quality of life.

Get Support From Your Team

On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

When you feel chills, what do you do to stay comfortable? Let others know in the comments below.