Lupus Erythematosus
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. This means that your immune system starts to attack your body instead of harmful germs. It is also called systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus is a lifelong disease that affects all parts of your body. Lupus has active and quiet periods. The active periods, also called flares, are when you have symptoms. The quiet periods, or remission, are when you have few or no symptoms. A remission period may last months or years, or you may not have remission periods at all.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency department (911 in the US) if:
- You have a seizure.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that may spread to your arms, jaw, or back.
- You have numbness or weakness of your face or limbs, or have trouble seeing or speaking.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have blood in your urine, bowel movement, or vomit.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You are confused or feel dizzy or faint.
- You have new, sudden vision changes.
Call your doctor or rheumatologist if:
- You have a fever or headache.
- You feel like you are starting to get sick.
- You start to urinate less than usual.
- You are bleeding from your nose or gums.
- You bruise easily.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antimalarial medicine is used to relieve your joint and skin symptoms of lupus, such as rash and joint pain.
- Steroids decrease inflammation. Steroids may be given as a pill or ointment.
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Immunosuppressive medicine is used to slow your immune system. This will prevent your immune system from attacking your body.
- Cytotoxic medicine is used to decrease inflammation in muscles or joints, and to slow your immune system.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage your symptoms:
- Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
- Protect your skin from UV light. Sunlight can make your symptoms worse. Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when the rays are strongest. Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more every 2 hours when you are outside. Do this even on cloudy days. Wear pants and long sleeves to cover your body. A hat with a wide brim can protect your face, head, and neck.
- Apply heat as directed. Heat helps decrease joint pain or swelling. Apply heat on the painful joint for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed.
- Apply ice as directed. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Avoid others who are sick. You are at increased risk of a severe infection.
- Treat flares quickly. This will help prevent serious illness.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent lupus flares:
A flare may be triggered by stress, ultraviolet light, or an infection, such as a cold. It can also be triggered by cigarette smoke or foods you eat. The following can help you prevent flares:
- Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Be physically active, as directed. This will help decrease your symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
- Manage stress. Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Stress may also trigger flares. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.
Follow up with your doctor or rheumatologist as directed:
You will need to return regularly so healthcare providers can monitor your lupus. You may need to return weekly or monthly if you have active disease. You may need to return every 3 to 6 months if you are in remission. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For support and more information:
- Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.
2000 L Street N.W., Suite 710
Washington , DC 20036
Phone: 1- 202 - 349-1155
Phone: 1- 800 - 558-0121
Web Address: http://www.lupus.org
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda , MD 20892-3675
Phone: 1- 301 - 495-4484
Phone: 1- 877 - 226-4267
Web Address: http://www.niams.nih.gov
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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