Patient's question:
Recently, my neck has turned red all over. My family says it's lupus, but I don't really understand this disease. Could you tell me what are the general symptoms of lupus in its early stages?Doctor's answer:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can manifest early as redness, joint redness, swelling, pain, and discomfort. SLE is an autoimmune disease, and skin manifestations are relatively common, especially facial redness. However, it is actually a disease that affects multiple organs throughout the body. Early symptoms of lupus patients include pain in the hands, ankles, and knees, some of whom may also experience morning stiffness. These symptoms may be misdiagnosed as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, but the treatment is often ineffective, leading to conditions such as oral ulcers and acne. Proper exercise can help boost the immune system. When joint pain is severe, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. In daily life, medications such as antimalarials and corticosteroids should be actively used for treatment.