Powerful Physical Therapy

Your Guide To Lupus Treatment

9 November 2021 by Clifford Ramos

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that doesn't currently have a cure, but there are many treatment options available to treat the symptoms, including inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, and your overactive immune system.

Talk to your rheumatologist about your symptoms and other medical issues to develop a treatment approach that will give you as much relief from your lupus symptoms as possible.

Medications

There are multiple different types of medications your rheumatologist may prescribe to help control your lupus symptoms and improve your day-to-day functionality.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, are often some of the first medications suggested by rheumatologists to manage mild lupus symptoms. You don't need a prescription for many NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.  These drugs help treat the joint swelling and pain lupus often causes. Your rheumatologist may not want you to take NSAIDs every day due to the risk of gastrointestinal issues.

Antimalarial Drugs

Medications that are typically used to treat malaria are often prescribed to lupus patients. These medications, such as hydroxychloroquine, affect the immune system and can help reduce lupus flares.  You'll need to see an eye doctor for regular exams if you're put on an antimalarial drug due to a very rare side effect that can damage the retina.

Steroids

Steroids, such as prednisone, are powerful drugs that can drastically reduce inflammation caused by a lupus flare. Steroids are usually taken in pill form, but your rheumatologist might prescribe a topical cream or gel to treat skin problems caused by lupus. Steroids can have serious side effects, including thinning bones, weight gain, and high blood pressure, so they're usually used for short periods to treat flares that don't respond well to other medications.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressant drugs help prevent your immune system from attacking healthy parts of your body. Your rheumatologist might prescribe an immunosuppressive if your lupus symptoms are affecting your brain or other organs. Immunosuppressants make it harder for your immune system to fight infection, so it's extra important to avoid sick people, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face if you're on one of these drugs.

Lifestyle Changes

One of the best ways to manage your lupus symptoms is to see your doctor regularly. Your rheumatologist can help you track your symptoms and flares and make medication changes as necessary.

Eat a healthy diet and engage in low-impact exercise as regularly as you can to keep your heart healthy. A nutritious diet will also help keep your kidneys and digestive system functioning well.

Don't smoke and stay away from smokeless tobacco. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and could worsen the effects lupus has on your blood vessels.

Many lupus patients have flares triggered by ultraviolet light. Stay out of the sun as much as possible during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Wear protective clothing, like long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat, when you must be out in the sun, and generously apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 before you go outside. Reapply for every two hours of sun exposure.

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