Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting many body parts. Though there isn’t one specific way to spot the disease, there are several symptoms to look out for. One disease that is associated with lupus is Prurigo Nodularis Lupus, which can cause itchy and uncomfortable skin. If you experience any warning signs, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possible lupus medication as soon as possible. Here are the early warning signs of lupus:

1. Joint pain and swelling
Joint pain and swelling are two of the most common symptoms of lupus. Joint pain can show up as tenderness, stiffness, or aching. It can occur in any joint, but it’s most common in the knees, fingers, hips, and shoulders. Swelling may appear visible, but it’s often hard to see. The node may be limited to the joints. However, it can occur in the fingers, hands, and feet.

2. Fingers and toes that turn white or blue
One of the more common symptoms of lupus is discoloration that often affects the fingers and toes. How well the discoloration shows depends on the skin tone, but it can be as simple as a white or blue tint to a severe blanching of the tip. The colors usually fade with time, but if you notice them continue to get worse despite treatment, this tells you you need lupus medication.

3. Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
A butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks is another common symptom of lupus. This rash is a malar rash and can also appear on the arms, chest, and back. It’s not associated with itching and doesn’t cause blistering or scarring. Though you may see the rash for no apparent reason, you will notice it on hot days when you feel hot and sweaty.

4. Ulcers in the mouth or nose
Ulcers can affect different areas of the body, and though it’s one of the most common symptoms of lupus, it’s often misdiagnosed as being unrelated. Ulcers on the mouth or nose fall under this category. The ulcers may appear on their own or with other signs of lupus. The mucous membranes can also be affected, which tends to give them a painless appearance.

5. Chest pain and shortness of breath
Chest pain and shortness of breath are also common symptoms of lupus. Chest pain can occur anywhere in the chest, but it’s commonly found in the chest wall. Shortness of breath is characterized by wheezing or a cough. The symptoms tend to come on suddenly, suggesting you may have a heart problem or another pulmonary issue like asthma.

6. Hair thinning and hair loss
In lupus, hair loss is accompanied by dandruff and a feeling of scalp irritation. The hair can fall out without warning, but it’s most commonly seen after sun exposure or in the shower. If you’ve lost a large amount of hair, your doctor may recommend a blood test to check for lupus.

7. Light sensitivity
Lupus is the cause behind the most common type of hypersensitivity. It happens when your immune system turns on specific body parts and causes inflammation that interferes with your ability to sense light. You may have so-called “photophobia,” a strong aversion to light that develops after you’ve lost hair or experienced other symptoms of lupus. If you have photophobia, you might want to talk to a doctor about lupus medication that can help relieve your symptoms.

Everyone is unique, and though you may be experiencing some of these symptoms or a combination of others, the only way to know for sure is to get tested. Lupus is often misdiagnosed as another disease, and many people experience some of these symptoms without having lupus. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.