Lupus Treatment

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• QHow do medications treat cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Because cutaneous lupus erythematosus causes inflammation of the skin, medications used to treat the disease focus on reducing this inflammation. Corticosteroid creams, applied to the skin, can have this effect. Antimalarial medications have also been found to improve the skin of people with cutaneous lupus erythematosus, even though malaria and lupus are not related.
  
  There are some alternative treatments available that may help your cutaneous lupus erythematosus (discoid lupus erythematosus). These include supplements such as fish oil and flaxseed. However, it is very important to discuss any alternative treatments you are interested in with your doctor. In some cases these alternative treatments may interfere with the treatment your doctor has outlined. In other cases, the risks of alternative treatments are little studied or unknown.
• QHow do I manage my lupus on a daily basis?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  You can manage your lupus on a daily basis by making certain changes in your lifestyle. These changes include allowing ample time for naps and sleep, limiting sun exposure, exercising, and eating well. Learn all you can about lupus so that you know what you are dealing with. Try to meet other people who have lupus and gather a support system of your family and friends. Lupus increases your risk of depression and stress, so be sure to relax and take solace in the company of friends.

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• QHow is lupus treated?

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  A National Kidney Foundation answered

  Lupus is treated with drugs that block your body's immune system. Some of these are prednisone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine. A newer medication, a monoclonal antibody called belimumab, is also available. Antimalarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, can also be used to help control lupus.
  
  Each of these drugs can have its own side effects. Fortunately, these side effects are usually manageable for most people. Discuss your treatment with your doctor.
• QWhat happens if my kidneys fail due to lupus?

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  A National Kidney Foundation answered

  If you have lupus and your kidneys fail, you can be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. People with lupus do as well with these treatments as people who have other types of kidney disease.
  
  Many people with kidney disease caused by lupus receive a kidney transplant. The drugs used to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney are the same or similar to those used to treat lupus. It is unusual for lupus to come back in the new kidney; most of the time, the lupus stays inactive.
• QIs there any treatment for neurological sequelae of lupus?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  There is no cure for lupus. Treatment is symptomatic. With a combination of medication, rest, exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management, most individuals with lupus can often achieve remission or reduce their symptom levels. Medications used in the treatment of lupus may include aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke.

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• QWhat are the treatment options for cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (discoid lupus erythematosus) produces a skin rash, which may be treated with a corticosteroid cream that is applied topically to the affected skin. In some cases, other medications, such as the antimalarial medication hydroxychloroquine, may be prescribed for treatment of the skin problems associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

• QWhat are the treatment options for lupus fog?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Unfortunately, there's no absolute cure for lupus fog. It is a side effect of having lupus or lupus medication. However, there are several treatment options that may help reduce your symptoms. Although no drug therapy exists to relieve the symptoms of lupus fog, several techniques can help one proactively manage these side effects. "Brain exercise" such as puzzles and certain games can help. Techniques for remembering new information, such as maintaining a calendar and log of pertinent information and maintaining high levels of focus, may also counteract cognitive impairments. In general, taking great care of yourself will also help - diet and exercise are very important and will keep your body running more smoothly.
• QHow do medications treat lupus fog?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  There are currently no medications to effectively treat lupus fog. Some people have found relief through brain exercises such as memory games. Speak with your doctor before taking any drugs for lupus.

• QAre there alternative treatments for lupus fog?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  There are several alternative treatment options that individuals with lupus fog may find beneficial. One of the most popular alternative therapies is brain exercise, which helps strengthen nerve connections to improve information recall. Challenging yourself to games and puzzles may lessen the likelihood of the fog flaring up. It is important to develop a routine for coping with lupus fog, doing the same things every day to make it easier to move passed the memory loss frustration. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also important. Keeping your body healthy can have a positive effect on your neurological performance.

• QHow do I manage my lupus fog on a daily basis?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Lupus fog can have a significant impact on your life, but there are ways you can manage the symptoms from day to day. It's important to follow doctors' advice regarding treatment such as coping mechanisms, exercise and changes in diet. This includes regular check-ups and cardiac evaluations with your doctors at least once a year. Physical therapy, exercise, and massage may also help relieve some of the muscle weakness and may improve your range of motion. However, the disease can still affect all aspects of your life, including your emotional and mental health. It's important to find ways to cope with these challenges, so joining a support group or seeking counseling may be helpful.