It’s usually believed that lupus mostly affects adult people, especially in women. Estimation shows that 90 percent of lupus patients are women, but this doesn’t mean lupus is only for women. In fact, this autoimmune disease can attack anyone, including men and children. Lupus has been diagnosed in more than 5,000 children and teenagers in the US. The average age of lupus is over the age of 12. How to know your children have lupus or how to deal with it, keep reading this article.

Be Noticeable With Lupus Symptoms in Children

Because lupus is uncommon in children and can act like different diseases, an accurate lupus diagnosis can be delayed. But there’re some lupus symptoms in children that you should aware of

1. Hair Loss

Lupus can occur in children in both visible and invisible ways. Hair loss is a noticeable sign of your children as they are less likely to suffer from it. Whenever you see any kind of regular hair falling out, should consult with a doctor

2. Skin Rash

It’s normal for children to develop skin rash in their lives, especially when they may be allergic to something. However, facial rash with butterfly shape should be noticed as it’s a common sign of lupus. Be more aware of if the skin rash of your child is often triggered by the sunlight.

3. Muscle Aches and Joint Pain

During puberty, muscle aches sometimes result from muscle growth. But be careful with severe muscle aches or joint pain. Considering seeing a doctor if your child experiences the recurrent symptom.

Related: What Are Alternative Methods to Manage Pain of Lupus Disease?

4. Bruising

While children often get bruises by daily activities, you should be noticeable if your child is often bruised.

5. Weight Gain

Children may experience fluctuations while they’re growing. Weight gain or weight loss isn’t usually something that parents care for. But if your child gains a lot of weight in spite of being active or eating clean, you should be aware and talk to your doctor.

6. Fatigue

Because children are active, they often become tired by the time the sun goes down. This is completely normal. But your child should have more energy on the next day. Constant exhaustion or fatigue isn’t normal in a healthy life, and it could be a sign of lupus. Here’re top 8 energy boosters for your fatigue.

7. Memory Loss

For children, it’s normal for them to forget cleaning rooms or toys. But forgetting crucial things, like their parent’s names, where they put their clothes should be aware. If your child’s memory isn’t best at it was, speak to your doctor.

To know whether lupus can occur in children, the doctor may need to evaluate from the above symptoms. Besides, the doctor can check other criteria, including

• Sensitivity to the sunlight or lights
• Arthritis
• Inflammation
• Oral ulcers
• Kidney problems

Related: How Long Can I Live With Lupus Disease

What Should You Concern for Children With Lupus?

For children with lupus, they often show symptoms, like fatigue, fever, and weight loss. The most common infected body system include the skin, kidneys, and bones. But in children, there’re two special areas of lupus should be concerned

1. Cognitive Problems

In the past, the neurological effects of lupus were believed to be limited to psychiatric symptoms and seizures. But now, cognitive problems are known to affect 59 percent of children and teenagers with lupus. They are at risk for cognitive impairment because these functions aren’t suddenly developing while being active during childhood. Solving cognitive problems are important things that parents should concern if lupus occurs in children. Work with a doctor to finding out solutions for memory loss, attention troubles, and behaviors.

2. Psychological Issues

Apart from cognitive problems, psychological burdens are another thing that parents should notice. Children with lupus meet a lot of difficulties in emotions as well as physical health. They have everyday combat with the symptoms of lupus plus the side effects of lupus medications. These can be a terrible burden while they’re trying to complete lessons at school and keep up their friends. Not only that, they must see many different types of doctors which requires a lot of time. You also have to take your time to take them all these appointments. Therefore, psychological and family burdens are inevitable. As the parents, you must make your all efforts to help your child lives a normal life.

Lupus symptoms in children can be treated as these are in adults. Treatment will be identified by your child’s doctor based on

• The age of your child, the medical history as well as the overall health
• The level of your child’s condition
• Your child’s tolerance for lupus medications or therapies
• The affected organs
• Your preference
• Your expectation for the treatment course of this disease

If your child’s lupus symptoms are symptoms, treatment might not be necessary. A healthy lifestyle, a well-balanced diet, and taking enough rest can be helpful for your child. But the doctor may recommend some medications if your child’s lupus symptoms need to be treated. The treatment can include:

• Corticosteroids
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Immunosuppressive
• Monoclonal antibodies

Don’t forget to ask your child

• Avoid stress
• Get enough sleep
• Take rest as needed
• Always apply sunscreen before going out

Lupus can occur in children, but the accurate lupus diagnosis in children may make take a long time. If your child experiences the above symptoms, you should take him/her to see a doctor. Treatments for lupus symptoms in children can be the same with those in adults. Besides, lupus supplements are helpful to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, such as LupuFree or omega-3 fish oil.