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A New Free Report - What Is Lupus?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What is the medical definition of lupus?
- What are the symptoms of lupus?
- What tests are there for lupus? How do you get a diagnosis?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
Medical Treatments for Lupus
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Lupus!
Medical treatment for lupus sufferers varies per patient. Due to the fact that each patient’s symptoms can vary widely, the treatment also varies. Doctors often use a combination of different medications as well as alternative or complementary therapies to treat lupus patients.
Some of the common medications include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and antimalarials. Other medicinal treatments include glucocorticoids and immunosuppressives. Still, there are other treatments used for skin problems and sun sensitivity.
Treatments for Lupus Related Skin Problems
For many lupus patients the skin may be the only place they see active symptoms. From a malar rash to discoid lesions, there are some issues related only to the skin that also need treatment. While many of the treatments listed above are also used to treat skin-related symptoms, they are either provided in a different manner or other drugs are prescribed first.
For instance, anti-malarials are very effective in treating DLE. When DLE patients were given anti-malarials, 60 to 90 percent went into remission or saw major improvements.14 Often these patients saw little to no effect with creams or topical ointments, but their skin lesions were minimized with the drugs. Also, anti-malarials can be useful in treating subacute cutaneous lupus with minimal side effects. Many doctors prescribe them to SLE patients in the summertime to prevent photosensitivity associated with increased UV exposure.
Topical therapy is the most commonly used treatment for lupus-related skin manifestations. Corticosteroid creams are often prescribed for patients suffering from skin-related symptoms, but powerful creams should only be used for a short period of time. Make sure you ask your doctor how long you should be able to use the cream to minimize side effects. However, if creams do not work, steroids can also be prescribed in pill form or given (rarely) intravenously.
In some cases lupus can leave scarring from lesions. While they may not be life threatening, they can impact the patient psychologically. Some patients will turn to plastic surgery to correct any scarring on the face. While a dermatologist can deal with discoloration, any surgery needs to be discussed with your treatment team. There may be special considerations for lupus patients.
No matter which treatment your doctor is considering, regular follow up treatment is also necessary. Since many of the treatments do have side effects if used long-term or if there is a sensitivity in the patient, they should only be used if you are in communication with the treatment team.
Safety in the Sun
Photosensitivity, or a skin reaction to sunlight, is found in 50 percent of DLE patients and between 70 to 90 percent of patients with subacute cutaneous lupus. Also, between 50 and 75 percent of patients with SLE have photosensitivity.13 Skin reactions often include lesions or a rash. In some cases the sensitivity does not even appear on the skin, it shows up as pain or fatigue. Some patients experience photosensitivity due to the disease, while others experience it because of medications to treat the lupus. Either way, it means that lupus patients need to take care when they are in the sun.
So what can patients do to prevent the sun from causing a flare? The easiest answer is to avoid direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest. If you are out in the sun, wear long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing that shields the skin from the sun. A wide brimmed hat is also recommended. Sunscreen is a must for lupus patients, too.
However, there are other ways to be exposed to UV rays, which are the main cause of photosensitivity. Many patients have reported photosensitive effects from fluorescent tube lights and photocopiers. There are acrylic shields available to protect a patient from these lights. Also, UV rays come through windows of the home and car, so patients may want to consider purchasing UV blocking films for the windows.
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Lupus!
© Health Research Today
