How Is Lupus Treated?

The type of treatment a person gets often depends on how severe the lupus is and which body systems are affected. Almost all people with SLE take some kind of medicine to help control their lupus. Patients whose joints hurt often take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to help with the pain. Other patients take antimalarial drugs (medicines first developed to prevent and treat malaria, but that have also been found to help treat lupus). Antimalarial drugs often help treat skin rashes and joint pain.

Some rheumatologists prescribe anti-inflammatory steroids, medicines that help fight the fatigue and fever that can affect people with SLE. People with lupus that affects important body organs may be given other immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs help stop the immune system from producing the autoantibodies that destroy healthy cells. These drugs are very strong, though, and can have side effects. So they are used only when it's really necessary.

Living With Lupus

In addition to taking medicine, a big part of treating lupus may involve changes in a person's lifestyle. People with lupus can learn to manage the disease to minimize its impact on their lives. Some teens work with a health care team, getting help from a rheumatologist, a nephrologist (pronounced: nih-frahl-uh-jist, a doctor who specializes in kidney problems), a nurse practitioner, and a social worker. Because lupus can differ from one person to another, the team will create a special treatment plan based on the person's individual needs.

Part of managing lupus is controlling the symptoms and preventing flares. A flare is a period of time when the disease gets worse. During a flare, a person feels much more tired, sick, feverish, and achy than usual, and it can also harm important body organs.

For a lot of people with lupus, paying close attention to certain health habits can help prevent their symptoms from flaring up. Getting enough rest and avoiding becoming too busy or overly stressed are helpful. Eating well and exercising regularly can also help a person avoid a flare.

When it comes to staying healthy, sometimes the things a person with lupus doesn't do can be just as important as those they do. Rheumatologists recommend that people with lupus don't spend time in the sun unless they wear lots of sunscreen and protective clothing because ultraviolet rays can bring on a flare. Smoking, drinking, and drugs are also a bad idea for teens with lupus. Alcohol can throw off the balance of certain medications, a dangerous situation for someone with lupus. Tattooing and body piercing are also off limits because of an increased risk of infection. Infection can be a risk because some of the medications doctors prescribe for lupus suppress the immune system and don't allow the body to fight infections as it usually would.

Doctors also advise that teen girls with lupus stay away from birth control pills containing the hormone estrogen; researchers believe that the extra estrogen in the pills can make symptoms worse. Doctors suggest that teens who are sexually active use other types of contraception instead.

With the right medicines and by paying attention to their health habits, most teens with lupus can go to school, do lots of activities, play sports, and hang out with their friends. If you have a friend or classmate who has lupus, ask how you can help out and offer your support. For example, if your friend is sick, keeping him or her up to date on what's going on in school by bringing notes and homework home is always a big help.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: July 2004