What are the symptoms of lupus in teenage girl?

Symptoms of lupus may include:

  • Fatigue (feeling tired often)
  • Painful or swollen joints.
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes.
  • Headaches.
  • Low-grade fevers.
  • Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light.
  • Chest pain when breathing deeply.

Can teenage girls get lupus?

Though lupus is typically diagnosed in adulthood, teenagers and (rarely) younger children can develop lupus as well. The disease is more common in females, although males can also be affected.

How common is lupus in teenage girls?

About 20 percent of people with lupus develop the disease before age 20, so it can affect kids and teens. It is very rare in children under the age of 5. In teens and adults, the disease is much more common in females, especially those with African, Hispanic, South and Southeast Asian and Native American ancestry.

Does my daughter have lupus?

Signs and symptoms of lupus Malar rash — a rash shaped like a butterfly that is usually found on the bridge of the nose and the cheeks. Discoid rash — a raised rash found on the head, arms, chest or back. Fever. Joint stiffness, pain and swelling.

Can puberty trigger lupus?

In most cases, children with lupus develop the condition during their teen years. It most commonly happens when the child goes through puberty (around age 12 on average). This could be due to a possible link between lupus and reproductive hormones that escalate in the body at that time.

How did you know your child had lupus?

If your child has symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint stiffness, and skin rashes — especially a butterfly-shaped rash across her cheeks and nose — it might mean she has lupus. You should make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician, who will then make a referral to a rheumatologist if lupus is suspected.

At what age does lupus usually show up?

Age. Although lupus affects people of all ages, it’s most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45. Race. Lupus is more common in African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans.

How do they test for lupus in children?

Blood test results can reveal whether your child has certain antibodies found in people with lupus, including:

  1. Antinuclear antibody, also called ANA, the most common type of autoantibody.
  2. Anti-Smith antibody, a more specific autoantibody that’s rarely found in people who do not have lupus.