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Lupus: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Neonatal Lupus
This is a rare form of temporary lupus that affects a fetus or newborn (usually coming to the fore in the first few months of life). It occurs when the mother’s autoantibodies are passed to her child in utero. These autoantibodies can affect the skin, heart, and/or blood of the baby.
Signs and Symptoms
Lupus is a mysterious disease, one with a multitude of smaller signs and symptoms that are often overlooked or misinterpreted as a harbinger of a different disease, leading to misdiagnosis. But when one of the most common symptoms is accompanied by a more suggestive sign or complication, lupus starts to become clear.
What is Lupus?
Lupus (sometimes generically referred to as SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease, one that takes on several forms and can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly attacks the skin, joints, the heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.
ANA Test
One of the most common tests used by physicians to help diagnose lupus is the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) blood test.
Managing Lupus Flares
Lupus patients often suffer unpredictable bouts of the disease – a flare – followed by periods of remission. What causes a flare is almost as unpredictable as when the flare will occur, but there are some common catalysts, and some common ways of managing flares.
Living with Lupus
Those who have been newly diagnosed with lupus may find themselves shocked at first, relieved, then, knowing what they have, and finally confused as to what their next steps will be. Find out here.
Is lupus contagious?
Is lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) contagious? Can I get it from someone who has lupus? Or, if I have lupus, can I give it to someone by accident?
Malar rash
Malar rash definition as it relates to lupus
Diagnosing Lupus
Diagnosing lupus can be tricky, as symptoms of the disease can be mild or severe, come in a wide variety, and mimic those of other diseases. But there are telltale signs that a doctor can use when suspecting the disease, and more complex methodologies to determine if a patient has lupus.
Getting Treated for Lupus
Once diagnosed with lupus, patients will undergo various treatment methods, all of which depends on the type of lupus and the symptoms that the patient presents. Since there is no cure for lupus, most treatments focus on the symptoms.
Caring for Your Skin
People who are affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or more commonly lupus, often discover that they are also highly photosensitive, or sensitive to sunlight. This sensitivity often results in skin rashes and other skin conditions caused by sunlight. If left unchecked, this condition could lead to skin cancer. Lupus patients are thus instructed to take care of their skin and stay out of the sun.
Butterfly rash
Butterfly rash definition as it relates to lupus
Types of Lupus
Lupus (sometimes generically referred to as SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease, one that takes on several forms and can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly attacks the skin, joints, the heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.
What Causes Lupus?
One of the first questions a newly diagnosed lupus patient often has centers around what may have caused them to get the disease. But even doctors and researchers are not sure what causes lupus. What they do know is that it is an autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system malfunctions and causes the body to attack its own tissues.
Antibodies and Death Risk
Recent research from a Canadian study of lupus patients suggests that the presence of anti-SM antibodies increased the risk of death in some lupus patients
When To Call A Doctor
To better understand when to call the doctor if you suspect you might have lupus, consider a few important points.
Arthritis
Since lupus is, in many ways, a disease of symptoms, there are several related conditions, such as severe joint and muscle pain, or arthritis, that people with lupus should be familiar with.
CellCept
Learn more about CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), an immunosuppressant often used in patients with lupus nephritis (in which the disease attacks the kidneys).
Drug-Induced Lupus
Drug-induced lupus is a condition mimicking the symptoms of lupus, but brought on by certain types of drugs, usually taken over long periods of time. Drug induced lupus is completely reversible once the drug is discontinued.
Lupus Nephritis
When lupus affects the kidneys, it is called lupus nephritis.
Antibody
Definition of antibody as it relates to lupus
Carditis
definition as it relates to lupus
Cerebritis
Cerebritis definition as it relates to lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The most common form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, blood vessels and organs.
Lupus and Pancreatitis
Lupus is often manifests itself through several related conditions, often affecting major systems and organs in the body, including the pancreas. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is called pancreatitis.
Lupus Pericarditis
Lupus is truly a disease of symptoms. Its attacks on the body’s immune system can affect everything from the skin and joints to internal organs, like the kidneys. Often, lupus can trigger inflammation of the thin sac that surrounds the heart, called pericarditis.
Lupus Flare Prevention Tips
No one can say for certain that there’s any way to prevent a lupus flare, but there are a number of “healthy habits” that can help patients reduce the potential for triggering a flare. We’ve taken those habits and gone one step further, by providing some suggestions on how to get into those habits and stay in those habits – thus possibly increasing your chances of staving off a flare.
Massage for Lupus
Where one method of treating will work for one individual, it may have little affect on another. Thus it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation. Some methods, like massage therapy, are complementary and alternative medicines. These approaches come as novel to some and completely familiar to others. Massage therapy, for example, is a time-honored method of pain and stress relief.
Lupus and Pleurisy
Cardiopulmonary complications from SLE, those affecting the lungs specifically, are common in lupus patients. Often, lupus can trigger inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, the pleura, causing pain when breathing or coughing. This condition is called pleurisy or pleuritis. It is the most common pulmonary manifestation of lupus.
Tips for vacation
Vacation time means fun time for everyone, including those suffering from lupus. It can be a frightening prospect to leave the safety net of home to go on vacation, but with some practical planning, lupus patients can have some time off too while still taking care of themselves.
What doctor treats lupus
What kind of doctor treats lupus? Is it a specialist? Who will I see and who will direct my treatment?
How long will I live?
How long will I live if I have lupus? It isn’t curable, right?
Inflammation
Inflammation definition as it relates to lupus
About Cytoxan
Learn more about Cytoxan, a drug used to combat the effects of lupus and systemic lupus erythamatosus.
What is Azathioprine?
Learn more about azathioprine, an immunosuppressant used to combat systemic lupus erythematosus, that goes by the brand names Azasan and Imuran.
Lupus Fog
The occasional feeling of forgetfulness and struggle to remember what should be simple tasks could be lupus fog, a condition familiar with lupus veterans, but sometimes a surprise for those newly diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
In discoid lupus, chronic inflammatory sores develop on the face, ears, scalp and on other body areas.
I need financial assistance.
Medical costs associated with lupus can be a challenge. If you need financial assistance, it's good to know that there are resources to help you with your battle against lupus. Learn more about lupus financial assistance resources.
How Lupus Affects Men
Though systemic lupus erythematosus is often thought of as a women’s health issue, the truth is men get lupus, too. And while the prevalence of lupus in women is great – nearly 90 percent of lupus patients between ages 15 and 45 are women – men shouldn’t discount both the potential of getting lupus and the seriousness with which the disease presents.
Autoimmune Disease
Definition of Autoimmune Disease
Are You At Risk?
Are you at risk for developing lupus? Consider these risk factors to determine how likely it is you could get the disease
Lupus Myocarditis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, is truly a disease of symptoms. Its attacks on the body’s immune system can affect everything from the skin and joints to internal organs, like the kidneys. Often, lupus can trigger inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis.
The Criteria List
Since diagnosing lupus can be a difficult task, even for healthcare professionals, it is important to know when typical signs and symptoms add up and point toward lupus as the cause. Here you’ll find the usual suspects when it comes to symptoms – and questions to ask yourself to help determine if you could be a lupus candidate.
What to Ask Your Doctor
If you have been newly diagnosed with lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, there are a handful of questions you should ask your doctor. Since a new diagnosis can be a confusing time, take these questions with you.
SLE, systemic lupus erythemato
SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus definition
Lupus and the Nervous System
Because the nervous system needs continuous oxygen and nutrients to function properly, it is adversely affected by any restriction to the flow of blood to it. Thus, it is believed that lupus affects the nervous system by affecting that blood flow, by causing nerve tissue damage when antibodies attack nerve and blood cells and blood vessels. In this overview, we will focus mainly on the central nervous system and some of the ways lupus affects the system.
Lupus and Pregnancy
One question that often arises in women who have been newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus is “Can I safely become pregnant and have a healthy baby?” The short answer? Yes.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity definition as it relates to lupus
Patient Advocates
As a lupus patient, there may be times when your disease has such a powerful effect on your well being that you may not feel capable of adequately managing your healthcare needs, especially when it comes to navigating the healthcare system. When and if this occurs, you may want to consider engaging the help of a patient advocate.
Antigen
Definition of antigen as it relates to lupus
NSAIDs
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those who suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Is there a cure for lupus?
There are several drug treatments for lupus, but is there a lupus cure? Scientists are hard at work to one. Research on current and new lupus treatments is ongoing, all with the goal of eventually finding a lupus cure.
Hypnotherapy as a Treatment
Where one method of treating will work for one individual, it may have little affect on another. Thus it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation. Some methods, like hypnotherapy, are complementary and alternative medicines.
Heredity
Heredity definition as it relates to lupus
Related Conditions
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can damage internal organs and often leads to a number of health complications. Often the patient notices the complications before they are diagnosed with lupus.
About Trexall
Learn more about Trexall, an antimetabolite and immunosuppressant drug used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as other conditions.
Acupuncture as Treatment Tool
One method of lupus treatment may work for one individual, yet have little affect on another. Thus, it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation, a hallmark of the disease. Some methods, such as acupuncture, are complementary and alternative medicines. Acupuncture therapy is a time-honored method of pain and stress relief.
Starting a Support Group
If you are interested in joining a lupus support group, your first step might be to determine what is available in your area. You can do this a number of ways, including contacting your healthcare provider, contacting a local hospital and speaking with the patient advocate, or by using the Internet and other reference resources to determine what’s around.
Wellness Strategies
While lupus is a chronic disease, between flares, which typically occur two to three times a year, most patients with lupus function at about 90 percent of normal capacity. More than enough reason to use that time to get your body in the best shape. Here are some simple steps you can take to help ensure you’re in the best health and ready to take on a flare when it occurs:
Immunosuppressants
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those that suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including immunosuppressants. Here, we’ll discuss the drug and give some examples of brand names lupus patients might encounter.
Lupus - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Lupus guide site.
Lupus
Definition of lupus
Biomarkers Aid Lupus Patients
Current research into lupus has led researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina to identified a list of proteins found in the urine of people with lupus-related renal (kidney) disease.
Gender, Ethnicity and Lupus
While lupus affects men and women of all ages, the disease tends to afflict women far more often. And women of color are afflicted even more often than that. Why? A groundbreaking study begun nearly 14 years ago has charted a course toward answering just that question.
Immune system
Immune system definition as it relates to lupus
Anti-malarials
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those that suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including anti-malarials. Here, we’ll discuss the drug and give some examples of brand names lupus patients might encounter.
A Man, a Bike, a Mission
In an effort to raise awareness about lupus and lupus sufferers, Australian Geoff Thomas, also a lupus sufferer, biked more than 9,000 miles across the United States in 2007.
Can Stress Make My Symptoms Wo
Can stress make my lupus symptoms worse?
Corticosteriods
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus. But doctors can offer those that suffer with lupus a number of treatment options. One option is the use of medicine, including corticosteroids. Here, we’ll discuss the drug and give some examples of brand names lupus patients might encounter.
Alternative Medicine Technique
Treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus vary by patient and by healthcare practitioner. Some of the methods might stray just off the path of traditional conventional medicine, and into the lane of complementary and alternative medicine, defined as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.
Link Found Between RA, Lupus
Researchers at the Feinstein Center for Medical Research have found a genetic link between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, further proof to support the theory that multiple autoimmune diseases could share risk genes.
What Are Clinical Trials?
What is a clinical trial and how do you become a part of one? Clinical trials are research studies aimed at finding new treatments – and even a cure – for certain diseases, in our case, lupus.
Meditation as a Treatment Tool
Since treatments for lupus vary by patient and practitioner, whereby one method will work well for one individual, and have little affect on another, it is not uncommon for someone suffering from lupus to explore varies ways to treat the symptoms of her disease – especially pain caused by inflammation, a hallmark of the disease. Some of these methods, like meditation, are considered complementary and alternative medicine, and have been in use by various cultures for centuries.
What is an autoimmune disease?
My doctor says lupus is an autoimmune disease. What is an autoimmune disease?
Can I breastfeed my baby?
I'm a new mother, and I am interested in breastfeeding my child. But I also have lupus. Can I breastfeed my baby if I have lupus? Will breastfeeding cause my baby any harm?
Statistics
Some key statistics, facts and figures regarding lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans.
Lupus Resources
If you are newly diagnosed lupus patient, perhaps you can relate to some of these feelings – relief that there’s finally an answer to all the questions you’ve had about your health, fear that your life will change irrevocably, maybe even a desire to disengage from family and friends when flares seem to take over your daily routine. Well, there's hope, because there's a community out there for you.
Myositis
Myositis definition as it relates to lupus
What kinds of lupus are there?
Is there more than one kind of lupus, and, if so, what types are there?
DNA
Definition of DNA
Flare
Flare definition as it relates to lupus
How long will my flare last?
How long will my flare last? A day? A week? How will I know when it will be over?
Stem Cells and Lupus
A recent university study delves into how lupus patients might respond to stem cell therapy.
Difference between RA, lupus?
What’s the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus? Why are they considered so similar by so many people? The answer lies here.
Who discovered lupus?
Do you know your lupus history? Who discovered lupus? How has our knowledge of lupus evolved? Find out about the disease's three periods and how lupus history played into how you lupus is treated today.
The Nervous System
Definition of the nervous system
The Role of the Rheumatologist
When most people hear the word rheumatology, they think rheumatoid arthritis, and make the logical leap that a rheumatologist treats diseases of the joints. She does. But a rheumatologist also diagnoses and treats diseases of the muscles and bones, like osteoporosis, and a number autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
Lupus as a Disability
As you know, lupus affects people in different ways. Everyone’s disease, essentially, is different. For those with severe cases of lupus, the disease can be debilitating. But is it a disability, as defined by the government? And if so, why would that matter? It matters because, if you are unable to work due to your illness, you may qualify and want to apply for Social Security benefits and disability insurance. Those benefits may bridge the economic gap for many Americans.
Lupus - Articles
An index of Articles for the Lupus guide site.
Do fillings or hair dyes cause
Do dental fillings or hair dyes act a trigger for lupus symptoms?
Are researchers studying lupus
As is the case with researchers of any disease, lupus researchers are hard at work conducting studies that look into lupus and the best ways to treat it. Learn more about what scientists are focusing lupus research and clinical trials on today.
Immunosuppressive
Definition of immunosuppressive

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