Lupus Erythematosus

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What is lupus?

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.

What increases my risk for lupus?

The cause of lupus is unknown. Your risk is higher if you are female, take hormones, or have a family history of lupus. Certain medicines, such as hydralazine and minocycline, can also increase your risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of lupus?

• Fever over 100°F (38°C)
• Tiredness, weight loss, or headache
• Rash shaped like butterfly wings
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• Mouth or nose sores
• Painful joints
• Chest pain or cough when you take a deep breath
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting

How is lupus diagnosed?

• Blood tests are used to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia (low red blood cells).
• Urine tests are used to check for protein or blood.
• X-ray pictures of your joints or chest may show signs of infection or extra fluid.
• A biopsy is a procedure used to take a tissue sample. Tissue may be taken from your skin, muscle, or kidney to check for the cause of your lupus.

How is lupus treated?

Lupus cannot be cured. The following will help control your symptoms:

• 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, IV, 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 help your immune system not attack your body.
• Cytotoxic medicine is used to decrease inflammation in muscles or joints, and to slow your immune system.

How can I manage my 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.

How can I help 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.

Where can I find 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
  

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.

When should I seek immediate care?

• 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.

When should I call my doctor or rheumatologist?

• 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.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. 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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