Lupus
A long-term condition causing joint pain, skin rashes, and tiredness is lupus. There is still no cure, but the symptoms can improve if the procedure starts earlier.
Symptoms
- Muscle and Joint pain
- Exhaustion that does not resolve no matter how much you rest
- Hives – often upon the nose and cheeks
Common symptoms include;
Diagnosis and treatment
It can be challenging to diagnose lupus because the symptoms can be similar.
Your doctor will usually do some blood tests, and based on the results, the doctor may refer you to carry on with scans and X-rays.
The severity and how it affects the body
- Mild – Skin and joint problems, tiredness
- Moderate – Inflammation in your lungs, heart, and kidney
- Severe – Inflammation to the heart, lungs, brain, or kidneys, and these can be life-threatening
Treatment
Treatments for lupus include;
- Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen
- Hydroxychloroquine medicine for fatigue and skin and joint problems
- For kidney inflammation, use steroid tablets, injections, and creams
To treat severe lupus:
- Rituximab
- Belimumab
These work on the immune system to reduce the number of antibodies in the blood.
Self-care
Do
- Apply high-factor (50+) sunscreen
- Try to stay active
- Try relaxation strategies to manage stress
- Wear a cap in the sun
- Consume a healthy, balanced diet, including vitamin D and calcium
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022