Lupus is very difficult to diagnose, it presents as several different immune disorders so it often proves very elusive.

Following you will find a list of symptoms along with explanations to help you decide if this could be what is wrong with you. Make sure you have good doctor and a good relationship with your doctor-THIS IS CRITICAL-alot of times before diagnosis, people treat you as if you are faking. That is why it is so important to have someone on your side. Even better if that someone is a doctor.

Symptoms Possible causes
Rash on cheeks/nose Classic 'butterfly' rash seen in SLE.
Scaly, disk shaped scarring rash Discoid lupus, which can appear on it's own, or as part of SLE.
Itching/burning rash Subacute cutaneous lupus. Hives.
Mouth/nose ulcers A common symptom of SLE.
Easy bruising Could indicate low platelet count.
Alopecia (hair loss) Part of SLE/DLE, but can also be caused by steroids, cytotoxics or infection.
Joint pain/swelling Inflammation of the lining of the joint caused by lupus.
Muscle aches/tenderness Inflammation caused by lupus, can also be caused by fibromyalgia.
Fatigue A very common lupus symptom. Can also indicate other things such as anaemia or infection.
Fever A common lupus symptom, caused by inflammation or infection. Pericarditis, myocarditis. Vasculitis. Pneumonitis.
Headache Common lupus symptom. Can indicate CNS involvement.
Bleeding gums Could be caused by anaemia. Could indicate low platelet count.
Cold hands/feet Raynaud's phenomenon.
Pain in chest, relieved by sitting up Pericarditis.
Short of breath Pleurisy. Pericarditis. Myocarditis. Heart attack. Pneumonitis. Pulmonary embolism.
Swollen legs Pericarditis. Venous thrombosis (bloot clot)
Swollen ankles Kidney involvement.
Chest pain, worse when breathing in Pleurisy.
Red lace-like rash on arms and legs Livedo reticulares, a common symptom of vasculitis.
Weight gain Kidney involvement. Steroid side effect. Result of inflammation.
Weight loss Could be caused by active lupus. Could indicate problems with the GI tract.
Nausea/vomiting Medication side effect. Heart attack. Renal failure. Could indicate problems with the GI tract.
Frequent urination Urinary tract infection.
Foaming urine Kidney involvement.
Pain in back, around kidneys Urinary tract infection (kidney failure does not produce pain).
Confusion Could indicate CNS involvement.
Seizures Could be a result of lupus cerebritis. Possible reaction to medications.
Memory problems Common in lupus. Could indicate CNS involvement, or could be a drug side effect.
Dry eyes Sjogren's Syndrome.
Dry mouth Sjogren's Syndrome.

This is a good start if you are concerned about lupus as a possible cause of your own symptoms. Each of these symptoms by themselves may not indicate lupus, but if you have three or more then you should probably look into getting it checked out.

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