Lupus is known as an autoimmune disease. This means that instead of the body’s antibodies fighting diseases, as they are meant to, they fight against the organs already in the body. There is currently no cure for Lupus, but there are different Lupus treatment options available in order to help ease the different symptoms that can occur from Lupus.
The first thing a doctor will probably do after a definitive diagnosis of Lupus has been made will be to put the patient on anti-inflammatories. A majority of the sufferers of Lupus complain the most about joint pain and muscle weakness. This occurs because the muscles swell when they are being invaded by the anti-bodies. Anti-inflammatories can ease the swelling making the patient much more comfortable and able to move more easily. Often, if the patient does not take anti-inflammatories, arthritis can set in.
Sometimes doctors will go the next level and will prescribe corticosteroids. These steroids are used to treat the swelling as well, but are much stronger than the typical anti-inflammatory. There are some side-effects to corticosteroids, such as increased weight gain and a general “puffiness” feeling, so it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor before taking these medications.
If the patient has a form of Lupus that affects the skin, making them break out in a rash, then the doctor will most likely begin treatment with a corticosteroid cream. This cream is much less invasive than the medication. If the cream does not work efficiently, however, the doctor may end up having to give corticosteroid injections.
Doctors may, as a last resort, need to give a patient immunosuppressants. These drugs stop the body’s white cells from attacking anything, which leads the patient to be much more susceptible to colds and diseases.