Lupus Foundation of America

For further information on Lupus such as:

• questions
• updates (ex. new treatments and medications)
• events
• news or stories
• support groups

visit:  http://www.lupus.org/

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

1. See your doctor regularly

2. Get adequate rest

3. Be sun smart  

4. Get regular exercise

5. Don't smoke

6. Eat a healthy diet

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019676

Treatments

Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. Determining whether your signs and symptoms should be treated and what medications to use requires a careful discussion of the benefits and risks with your doctor. As your signs and symptoms flare and subside, you and your doctor may find that you'll need to change medications or dosages. The medications most commonly used to control lupus include:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.
• 
  Antimalarial Drugs. Medications commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), also can help control lupus. Side effects can include stomach upset and, very rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.


• Cortico-Steroids. Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can counter the inflammation of lupus but often produce long-term side effects — including weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy.
  
  
• Immuno-Suppressants. Drugs that suppress the immune system may be helpful in serious cases of lupus. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (CellCept), leflunomide (Arava) and methotrexate (Trexall). Potential side effects may include an increased risk of infection, liver damage, decreased fertility and an increased risk of cancer. A newer medication, belimumab (Benlysta), also reduces lupus symptoms in some people. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and fever.

2016 Walk to End Lupus Now

2016 Walk to End Lupus Now, New York City

Event Date & Time: Saturday May 14th, 2016

Check-in: 8:30 AM

Ceremony: 9:45 AM

Walk: 10:00 AM

Route Length: 3.1 miles

Event Location:

South Street Seaport

19 Fulton St

New York, NY 10038

Come to the Walk to End Lupus Now to honor or remember a loved one. For more information visit http://support.lupus.org/site/TR?fr_id=1081&pg=entry.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Common Symptoms of Lupus

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue and fever

Joint pain, stiffness and swelling

Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose

Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity)

Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Dry eyes

Headaches, confusion and memory loss

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/symptoms/con-20019676

The Two Types of Lupus

There are two types of lupus: 

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)- DLE mainly affects the skin that is exposed to sunlight and doesn’t typically affect vital internal organs. Discoid (circular) skin lesions often leave scars after healing of the lesions. 

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)- SLE is more serious: It affects the skin and other vital organs, and can cause a raised, scaly, butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks that can leave scars if untreated. SLE can also affect other parts of the skin elsewhere on the body. SLE can cause kidney disease. Brain involvement is rare, but for some, lupus can cause confusion, depression, seizures and strokes.

The disease may also inflame and/or damage the connective tissue in the joints, muscles, and skin, along with the membranes surrounding or within the lungs, heart, kidneys and brain. Blood vessels may come under attack with systemic lupus. This can cause sores to develop on the skin, especially the fingers.  

Some lupus patients get Raynaud's syndrome, which makes the small blood vessels in the skin contract, preventing blood from getting to the hands and feet -- especially in response to cold. Most attacks last only a few minutes, can be painful, and often turn the hands and feet white or a bluish color. 

 Sources: 

http://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/understanding-lupus-basics

Intro to Lupus

 What is Lupus? Who can it affect?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakes the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them. Some people who are diagnosed with lupus suffer from minor inconvience. While on the other hand, others suffer significant lifelong diability. Lupus affects people of African, Asian,or Natve American descent two to three times as often as it affects whites. Nine out of 10 people with lupus are women. The disease usually strikes between age 15 and 44, although it can occur in older individuals.