My daughter in San Diego has lived with it for sometime...he's some info..She manages her discomfort by avoiding excessive heat, sunshine and stress...stress seems to be a huge trigger...also not sure but if you smoke...quit immediately
Lupus: Treatments and Living With Lupus
Treatments For LupusWhat is LupusCauses of LupusTypes and Risk FactorsSymptoms of LupusDiagnosis and ClassificationLatest Lupus Research
Lupus treatments and prevention
You may need specialist doctors to treat the many symptoms of lupus. Your health care team may include:11,20
Because it is a complex disease, lupus often requires treatment and consultation with a rheumatologist - a doctor who is an expert in treating diseases like lupus.
- A family doctor
- Rheumatologists - doctors who treat arthritis and other diseases that cause swelling in the joints
- Clinical immunologists - doctors who treat immune system disorders
- Nephrologists - doctors who treat kidney disease
- Hematologists - doctors who treat blood disorders
- Dermatologists - doctors who treat skin diseases
- Neurologists - doctors who treat problems with the nervous system
- Cardiologists - doctors who treat heart and blood vessel problems
- Endocrinologists - doctors who treat problems related to the glands and hormones
- Dietitians
- Occupational therapists
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Social workers.
Once lupus has been diagnosed, the doctor or rheumatologist will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms and lifestyle. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. In developing a treatment plan, the doctor will aim to:
- Prevent flares
- Treat flares when they occur
- Reduce organ damage and other problems.
Lupus treatments may include drugs to:20
- Reduce swelling and pain
- Prevent or reduce flares
- Help the immune system
- Reduce or prevent damage to joints
- Balance the hormones.
Types of medications used in the treatment of lupus include:
- NSAIDs
- Antimalarials
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressives
- BLyS-specific inhibitors
- Hormonal therapies such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (proteins derived from human blood).
According to Cleveland Clinic, specific medications used to treat lupus include:13
- Steroids or prednisone and related derivatives of cortisone. Steroid creams can be directly applied to rashes
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is commonly used to help keep mild lupus-related problems, such as skin and joint disease, under control
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is a chemotherapy drug that has very powerful effects on reducing the activity of the immune system. It is used to treat severe forms of lupus
- Azathioprine (Imuran) is a medication originally used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. It is commonly used to treat the most serious features of lupus
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) is another chemotherapy medication used to suppress the immune system. Its use is becoming increasingly popular for skin disease, arthritis, and other non-life threatening forms of disease that have not responded to medications such as hydroxychloroquine or low doses of prednisone
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) are chemotherapy drugs that have very powerful effects on reducing the activity of the immune system. They are used to treat more severe forms of lupus, especially lupus that affects the kidneys
- Belimumab (Benlysta) is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that make autoantibodies
- Rituximab (Rituxan) is another monoclonal antibody that reduces the activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that make autoantibodies.
No research to date has shown that alternative and complementary therapies such as special diets, nutritional supplements, fish oils, ointments and creams, chiropractic treatment and homeopathy affect the disease process or prevent organ damage. However, some alternative or complementary approaches may help the patient cope or reduce some of the stress associated with living with a chronic illness.
One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person. Some approaches that may help include exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation and setting priorities for spending time and energy.
Recent developments on lupus treatment from MNT news
Positive results announced from phase III study of Benlysta
GSK has announced results from the BLISS-SC Phase III pivotal study in patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Astrazeneca presents positive new data on anifrolumab in lupus
AstraZeneca presented positive data from the Phase II trial of anifrolumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.
Plant-derived compound 'may effectively treat lupus with fewer side effects'
Researchers from the University of Houston, TX, say they have discovered a more natural treatment for lupus that uses a plant extract. So far, it has proved effective and has produced no significant side effects in mice.
