I have signs and symptoms of Lupus, what do I do?

Depending on your symptoms you could start by visiting one of three doctors.  If you have a skin rash, or other outward signs, such as hair loss or sensitivity to sunlight or mouth sores you would go see a dermatologist. If you had pain in your joints and think it is Arthritis see a Rheumatologist, if you have chest pains, abdominal pain, headache, psychosis, seizures or stroke see your cardiologist, Pulmonologist or family practitioner.

https://resources.lupus.org/entry/doctors-who-treat

What Doctors treat lupus ?

Lupus Foundation of AmericaSeptember 27, 2017

Resource Content

A diagnosis of lupus may be made by any physician (family practitioner, Internist, or pediatrician) if multiple symptoms and laboratory test results point toward the disease. However, if symptoms develop gradually over time, as is often the case with lupus, the diagnosis may not be as obvious and there may be visits to multiple physicians before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

The form of lupus and its symptoms determine what type of doctor you will see for treatment. Most people with mild to moderate disease will see a rheumatologist (or pediatric rheumatologist if a child or adolescent has lupus), a physician who specializes in diseases of joints and muscles.

A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system sends inflammation to areas of the body when it is not needed causing damage/symptoms. These diseases can also affect the eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Rheumatologists treat joint disease similar to orthopedists but do not perform surgeries. Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus.

Since lupus can cause damage to any part of the body, other specialists may be necessary such as a:

Cardiologist - For heart issues such as lupus myocarditis and lupus pericarditis

Pulmonologist - For lung issues such as pleurisy due to lupus and other lung conditions

Endocrinologist - For issues relating to your thyroid, adrenal function, or other endocrine issues

Nephrologist - For issues relating to your kidneys and kidney function such as lupus nephritis

Gastroenterologist - For digestive tract issues

Hematologist - For issues relating to your blood count

Immunologist - Clinical immunologists, doctors who address the underlying process of your disease, are becoming increasingly involved in the treatment of lupus as more is being learned

A dermatologist is a physician who is trained to evaluate and treat children and adults with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes. A dermatologist has had additional training and experience in the following:

The diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin.

The management of contact dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders.

The recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases.

Interpretation of skin biopsies.

Surgical techniques used in dermatology.