Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
in Children and Adolescents

What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic disease which means that it can last for many years. The symptoms (how you feel) and signs (what the doctor finds during the examination) may come on slowly and worsen gradually. It may take months before the signs and symptoms lead the doctors to the diagnosis of lupus. This is because the first symptoms of lupus are common in other diseases such as the flu; the person with lupus may have fever, low energy, no appetite, and aches and pains all over. 

With time, sometimes weeks or months, the illness becomes clearer. Many children and adolescents will develop a rash on their face or chest, particularly after sun bathing. Joints may become swollen and stiff. Mouth ulcers may come and go. Sometimes more hair falls out than the usual amount or the hands turn red, white and blue when exposed to the cold. These symptoms will alert the doctor to the possibility of lupus. The doctor will then recommend blood tests which will help confirm the diagnosis or exclude it.

Once diagnosed, even though lupus lasts for years, there may be long periods of weeks, months or even years, when it is not active. The period of time when the disease is not active is sometimes called a remission. When lupus is active, as it is in the beginning, it can be unpredictable and dangerous and requires regular care from doctors who are skilled in treating children and adolescents. The time when lupus is active is called a flare.