Managing Lupus

What are lupus flares?

The times when your symptoms get worse and you feel sick are called flares. Flares can come and go. You may have swelling and rashes one week and no symptoms the next. Sometimes flares happen without clear symptoms and are seen only with laboratory tests.
Some flares are mild, but others are serious and require medical care.

How can I tell if a lupus flare is coming?

Lupus flares most often have warning signs. You can help prevent flares or make them less severe if you can spot the warning signs and get treatment quickly. Before a flare, your symptoms might get worse, or you might get new signs and symptoms, such as:

• Feeling more tired
• Pain
• Rash
• Fever
• Stomach ache
• Severe headache
• Dizziness