Lupus is a chronic disorder in which the body’s immune system malfunctions, i.e., it mistakenly starts attacking the healthy tissues by producing a high quantity of antibodies. This can result in pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. Unfortunately, the exact cause of such behavior is still not known. Although, researchers believe that several factors might contribute such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, medications, bacteria, viruses, genetics, or exposure to a particular kind of environment. Interestingly, lupus primarily affects women in their reproductive years as compared to men. Recommended Read:  7 Must-Have Foods to Reduce Anxiety and Stress Identifying lupus signs and symptoms One of the major issues with lupus is that its symptoms are not easy to recognize, and this is because every patient experiences them in varying degrees. For some, the lupus signs and symptoms could start projecting severely and suddenly. For others, the disorder may go undiagnosed for years as the body might endure from mild or no symptoms at all. The following are some of the main lupus signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, fix an appointment with your general practitioner or a specialist at the earliest. Rashes – One of the most prominent visible signs of lupus is the butterfly rash across the cheeks and the nose.