Objective To systematically review the illness experiences and needs of young patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to provide evidence for developing standardized nursing pathways and improving transitional supportive care. Methods Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP were searched from inception to September 2025 for qualitative stu-dies exploring the illness experiences and needs of young patients with SLE.The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research.Findings were synthesized using a meta-aggregative approach. Results A total of 10 studies were included, from which 49 themes were extracted.These were further synthesized into 8 categories and ultimately 3 integrated findings:SLE amplifies the challenges of adolescence, reconstruction of self-worth, and multiple needs. Conclusion Young patients with SLE have unique illness experiences and needs.Health care providers should pay close attention to and develop individualized, needs-based interventions to improve the quality of care and patients′ quality of life.