Systemic lupus erythematosus commonly presents with a triad of symptoms including joint pain, fever, and what skin finding?

• A. Cough, dyspnea, chest pain
• B. Hematuria, edema, hypertension
• C. Weight gain, hair loss, fatigue
• D. Joint pain, fever, and malar rash

Answer: (D)

Systemic lupus erythematosus often presents with inflammation across multiple organs, and a classic combination includes joint pain (arthritis or arthralgia), fever, and a distinctive skin finding known as the malar rash. The malar rash is the butterfly-shaped redness over the cheeks and bridge of the nose, typically worsened by sun exposure and sparing the nasal folds. This rash is a hallmark of lupus and helps tie together the systemic inflammation with the skin manifestation. Other options describe symptoms lupus can involve, but they don’t form the characteristic triad with a specific skin finding.