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Your doctor has
put together a treatment plan that is designed specifically for you and
your lupus. This probably includes physical and emotional rest,
aggressive treatment of infections, good nutrition, and avoidance of
direct sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light. Your doctor may
have also prescribed medications to control disease symptoms and other
health problems that you might have. One of the most important ways you
can help yourself is to understand your treatment plan and the things
you need to do to keep your disease under control.
Sometimes,
despite the treatment plan and your efforts, you may experience a lupus
flare. A flare is a worsening of symptoms that signals increased disease
activity. A variety of factors can cause a flare, and you should contact
your doctor immediately if you suspect a flare is developing. The doctor
will evaluate your condition and take steps to control the seriousness
of the flare. He or she will also reevaluate your overall treatment plan
and make any needed changes.
Warning
Signs of a Flare
- Increased
fatigue
- A new or
higher fever
- Increased pain
- Development or
worsening of a rash
- Upset stomach
- Headache or
dizziness
- Development of
symptoms you haven’t had before
What
Triggers a Flare?
A flare can be triggered by one factor or a combination of factors.
The most common are
- overwork or
not enough rest;
- stress or an
emotional crisis;
- exposure to
sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light;
- infection;
- injuries or
surgery;
- pregnancy or
the time right after the baby’s birth (the postpartum period);
- sudden
stopping of medications for lupus;
- sensitivities
or allergies to items that you put on your skin, such as hair dye,
hair permanent solution, makeup, and skin creams;
- certain
prescription drugs;
- over-the-counter
medications, such as cough syrup or laxatives; and
- immunization
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Caring
For Yourself
- Learn
to recognize the warning signals of a flare and tell your
doctor about them.
- Maintain
your physical health. Be sure to visit your doctor
regularly, even if you are feeling well. Schedule regular
dental, eye, and gynecological exams.
- Get
enough sleep and rest. Be flexible with your schedule of
daily activities.
- Try to
limit your stress. Because this may be hard to do at times,
consider developing a plan for dealing with potentially
stressful situations. Develop a support system that includes
family, friends, medical or nursing professionals, community
organizations, and support groups. Remember, it helps to
talk to someone when you’re feeling stressed.
- Participate
in a well-planned exercise program to help you maintain
physical fitness and reduce stress.
- Eat a
healthy diet.
- Limit
your exposure to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet
light, such as fluorescent or halogen lights.
- Tell
your doctor right away about any injury, illness, or
infection or if you do not feel well in any way.
- Delay
elective surgery (including dental surgery and teeth
pulling) until your lupus is under control or in remission.
- Lupus
may cause problems for a pregnant woman and her baby. As a
result, women with lupus should carefully plan any
pregnancy. Do not stop using your method of birth control
until you have discussed the possibility of pregnancy with
your doctor and he or she has determined that you are
healthy enough to become pregnant.
- Talk
with your doctor before you stop taking any prescribed
medications.
- Check
with your doctor or nurse before taking any over-the-counter
medications.
- Be
careful when trying any over-the-counter preparations used
on your skin or scalp. First, determine whether you have a
sensitivity or an allergy to it. Put a small amount of the
preparation on the inside of your forearm or on the back of
your ear. If any redness, rash, raised areas, itching, or
pain develops, do not use the preparation.
- Be
aware that certain prescription drugs may trigger a flare.
Tell any doctor, nurse, or health care professional you
visit that you have lupus. Also tell your lupus doctor or
nurse if any new medications have been prescribed for you.
- Be
sure to check with your lupus doctor before receiving any
immunization. Routine immunizations, including those for the
flu and pneumonia, are an important part of maintaining your
health, and you should get them if your doctor approves.
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