The body's immune system attacks normal tissues.The body makes antibodies against itself.There are two types of lupus.SLE is a disease that affects many parts of the body.The skin is the most affected part of the disease.DLE is a chronic skin disease and not necessarily dangerous to overall health.There is a pattern of periodic flare-ups for both types of the disease.Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, butterfly rash, lesions on the skin, mouth sores, chest pain and memory impairment.Learning how to deal with these symptoms can help you during a flare.
Step 1: Get some sleep.
One of the symptoms of a flare is fatigue.A person with a flare of the disease needs to rest and go about their daily activities.At night, try to get at least eight hours of sleep.Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.Naps during the day can help with fatigue.
Step 2: The sun's exposure should be reduced.
There are many flares caused by sunlight.It is important that you protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses and using an umbrella.Reducing sunlight exposure and avoiding direct sunlight can make a big difference in the severity of a lupus flare.Remember to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 55, even on cloudy days, as harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds.When absolutely necessary, use sun protection and go out in the sun.
Step 3: Try to relax.
It is possible to use meditation to calm the body and mind.People suffering from illness often use it to attain physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance.According to some evidence, meditation can help improve the quality of life for people with the disease.A simple and effective way to begin a practice of daily meditation is to sit in a comfortable position.Pay attention to your breathing.Your mind will wander at some point.Bring your attention back to your breathing when you catch your mind wandering.Don't judge or dwell on your thoughts.If you are trying it for the first time, continue the process for five minutes.At least once a day, repeat this practice.If you want, you can gradually increase the length of the sessions as you practice.
Step 4: Moderate exercise is a good way to get active.
Exercise can help to control stress, which can cause flare-ups.Moderate exercise is 30 minutes a day.Walking, biking, swimming, or taking an aerobics class are some good exercises to do.It's appropriate for your current fitness level if you choose something that you enjoy doing.
Step 5: People who are sick should be avoided in large groups.
It's best to avoid large crowds for people with the disease.When people are sick, you may want to avoid them.
Step 6: There are activities that provide comfort.
The disease may become very painful.There are ways to deal with the pain and make your day better.The risk of a flare can be mitigated by these techniques.A good massage is one of these comfort measures.A good massage can help to relieve both joint and systemic pain.You can ask a family member or friend to massage the painful area for you, or you can see a massage therapist.Use heat therapy.It is possible to ease pain by using heat.A hot shower or a hot bath can relieve systemic pain.A hot towel or hot compress can be used to relieve pain.The hot towel or compress should not burn the skin.If the hot compress is too hot, put a dry towel around it.Blood circulation increases when heat is used to relieve pain.
Step 7: Corticosteroids can be taken.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation.They can help with joint pain, inflammation and headaches.If you have a case that doesn't involve major organ systems, you may be able to manage it with low doses of oral or topical steroids.Your doctor can prescribe the right medicine for your case.Ask your doctor about potential side effects and how to manage them.
Step 8: Take NSAID.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs that can help with the pain during flares.Discuss this method of treatment with your physician before starting it, as lupus patients are more susceptible to problems caused by taking NSAIDs.
Step 9: Try to suppress the immune system.
Immunesuppressants can be used for serious flares of the disease.The body's immune system attacks the cells of the other person.The immune response of the body can be reduced by the use of drugs.
Step 10: Take anti-malarial drugs.
Antimalarial drugs can be used to treat some symptoms of lupus.Your doctor can determine if anti-malarial drugs like chloroquine sulfate and chloramphenicol will help you.He or she can also discuss potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Step 11: You should consult your physician before starting any alternative treatments.
There is still research going on about the disease that is unknown and unverified by scientific evidence.Even if they are not widely adopted, there are a number of traditional and alternative treatments that can help reduce your flares.Before starting any of the treatments, you should have a discussion with your doctor.Your physician needs to be aware of all the treatments you are using so that he or she can give you the most effective care plan.Depending on your case and symptoms, your physician can tell you about potential side effects of using an alternative treatment method.
Step 12: Take DHEA supplements.
This type of medication, a weakly androgenetic steroid, can be used to treat the symptoms of lupus, as studies have shown an inverse relationship between levels of androgen in the body and the progression of the disease.Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you, and if there are any potential side effects.
Step 13: It's a good idea to introduce flaxseed to your diet.
Flaxseed is believed to reduce inflammation.Some lupus patients may benefit from it, as their kidneys are the most affected organ.Adding flaxseeds to cereals will make them taste better.It is possible to take the form of flaxseed oil.The recommended daily dose can be taken with water or salad.
Step 14: Eat fish oil.
Fish oil can be used to deal with flares.Recent studies have shown that people taking fish oil are less likely to have flares.Omega 3 is found in fish oil and can help reduce inflammation.In the form of oral capsule, fish oil is taken.Talk to your doctor about the amount of fish oil you should take.
Step 15: An anti-Inflammatory diet can be followed.
A diet that reduces inflammation is important for people with the disease.Fruits, vegetables, and other foods that do not promote inflammation should be avoided.Peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes are nightshade vegetables.Solanine is found in these foods and contributes to inflammation and pain.
Step 16: Try an herb called astragalus.
There is an herb that can be used to reduce the immune system in people with the disease.The astragalus root is boiled in water to make tea.
Step 17: If possible, avoid using birth control pills.
Birth control pills may increase the risk of developing lupus.If you are sexually active, talk to your doctor about birth control alternatives.
Step 18: There is a coming flare.
Each person's case has different symptoms.You may come to realize that a certain symptom, such as fatigue or a rash, is associated with flares in your case over time.You can reduce the severity of a flare if you know the signals.If your signal of a flare is fatigue, it's a good idea to get extra rest as soon as you start to feel tired.
Step 19: There can be infections that can cause a flare up.
If you have an infectious disease, your chances of having a flare increase.This is because the immune system can be attacked by infections.Keep your personal hygiene up to date.It is important to wash your hands frequently in order to prevent the spread of infections.When you wash your hands, use water and soap.If there is no water or soap, antibacterial gel will be needed.Clean environment.Keeping your environmentbacteria free is important to keep your immune system from being triggered.Clean all of the surfaces of your house with antibacterial cleaning supplies, vacuum or air carpets often, and wash your sheets and towels.Stay updated on flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Step 20: It is a good idea to eat a healthy diet.
A healthy diet can help to prevent future flare ups.Fruits, vegetables, and lean meat are some of the whole foods you should eat.Salt, fat, and animal protein can be reduced.Milk, dairy products, and red meat should be avoided.Stay away from sugar, tobacco, salt, and caffeine as well.
Step 21: Don't over exert yourself.
Overworking and lack of rest can cause a flare of the disease.Moderate exercise can help reduce flare-ups.Maintaining activity levels and resting time is important.
Step 22: Find emotional support.
Being confronted with a situation that you don't know how to fix can cause emotional stress.Finding emotional support is important since avoiding stress is one way to reduce flares.Talk to a friend or family member.It is possible to alleviate stress by expressing how you are feeling.Your friend may be able to give you valuable information.Talk to a therapist who can give you advice on how to deal with stress.Ask your doctor about support groups for other people with the disease.
Step 23: Taking a new drug can cause a flare.
Before starting or stopping a medication, you should talk to your doctor.Discuss the drugs that may cause your condition to get worse with a specialist.Antibiotics that contain sulfonamides are known to cause flares of the disease.