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Preventing a Lupus Flare
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
- development of symptoms you
haven't had before
- swollen joints
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
- certain prescription drugs, such
as sulfonamide antibodies
- over-the-counter medications,
such as echinacea.
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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 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 overthe-
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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Source: National Institutes of Health, U.S.Dept of Health and Human Services
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