What is a characteristic feature of Raynaud's phenomenon associated with SLE?

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by episodic vasospasm of the small arteries and arterioles in response to cold or emotional stress, leading to color changes in the fingers and toes. During an episode, the affected areas typically change to white or blue due to reduced blood flow and then turn red upon rewarming as blood flow returns.

In the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Raynaud's phenomenon is a common manifestation that indicates underlying vascular instability. It is specifically the color changes in the extremities that serve as the hallmark feature of this phenomenon, which reflects the degree of vasospasm occurring. This feature is critical for diagnosis and understanding the vascular complications associated with SLE, further emphasizing the importance of recognizing such symptoms in managing the disease effectively.

Other options, while they may present in patients with SLE, do not specifically relate to Raynaud's phenomenon. Joint swelling pertains more to arthritis commonly seen in SLE, fatigue is a widespread symptom in many conditions, and skin rash relates to the characteristic discoid or butterfly rashes associated with lupus rather than Raynaud's specifically.