Lupus Symptoms in Children

Symptoms of lupus in children are usually similar to those observed in adults. These symptoms can be mild or severe, depending upon the affected part of the body. They can develop abruptly or gradually and can be temporary or permanent. But, in general, lupus symptoms have been observed to subside for a while and then again reappear. The signs and symptoms of lupus can also vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience inflammation only in joints and skin, while in others, it can affect several parts of the body.

Some of the most common lupus symptoms in children are:

• Sensitivity to sunlight.
• Swelling of the glands.
• Kidney problems or diseases.
• Extreme fatigue and unexplained fever.
• Oral or mouth ulcers and ulcers inside the nose.
• Blood disorders like, low count of red and white blood cells and platelets.
• Arthritis or joint inflammation is also quite common among the children with lupus.
• Raynaud's phenomenon, where fingers and toes become pale or turn purple, when exposed to cold, stress or illness.
• Butterfly-shaped skin rash, known as malar rash, which can be more commonly found across the cheek and on the bridge of the nose.
• If the disease affects the nervous system or the brain, seizures, confusion and other psychiatric as well as neurological symptoms may arise.
• Inflammation and fluid accumulation can occur in the heart and lungs.
• Fluid accumulation has also been found to take place in other organs as well.
• Some children may develop a type of raised, scaly rash on the arms, chest, face, ears and head, which is known as discord lupus.