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Lupus: Treatment at home

Lupus treatment at home

Lupus is an autoimmune disease which produces large number of antibodies, disrupting our immune system, and resulting in damaging healthy cells. Lupus can attack any part of our body. The apparent job of the immune system is to produce antibodies to fight disease. But lupus prevents that to happen. However, lupus can be prevented if we take remedies at home itself.

Self treatment at home

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, more commonly known as lupus can be managed by self care.

1. Identify the symptoms

Learn and gain knowledge, so that you are able to identify the warning signs exhibited by your body, marked by the onset of flare, joint pain, rash, fever, or augmented fatigue, to name a few. Identification of the symptoms is necessary, as then you can take steps to manage the symptoms.

2. Be stress free

In order to keep lupus controlled, you need to manage stress and keep it low, as stress activates lupus. You can release stress by the following methods:

a. Adopt a very simple and easy going daily schedule.

b. Distribute the tasks and responsibilities to others.

c. Exercise regularly, even in a simple way. For example a small walk can help you by improving your frame of mind and also reduce stress.

d. Make use of relaxation techniques like healthy eating, meditation, yoga, listening to music, and other recreational activities etc.

3. Fight fatigue

Mild to extreme fatigue is seen in mostly all people affected with lupus. They find it difficult to complete even the daily activities. In order to feel better, you will have to fight fatigue. This can be achieved by the following methods:

a. Rest: People with lupus should try to get lot of rest. It has been seen that few of lupus patient need 12 or more hours of sleep.

b.Go for low pace: Try to avoid or reduce exhausting activities.

c. Ask for help: Don’t be shy and attempt to do everything on your own. Ask help from your family or friends.

d.Short breaks: Taking short breaks during everyday activities will help you a lot. Try to reduce the work hours and if you are a parent try to find someone who can assist you in sharing responsibilities related to parenting.

e. Exercise: Doing light physical activity will help you a lot as these exercises will help you improve energy. Cycling and walking are exercise suitable for people with lupus.

f. Consult doctor: Don’t wait to contact a mental health professional if you feel that your fatigue is being aggravated by depression.

4. Take skin care

Lupus affects the skin as it causes rashes. Try using corticosteroid creams after consultation with your doctor. You can also try makeup; cover mark to conceal any scar on face caused by lupus.

5. Protect from UV rays of sun

Skin rashes, fatigue, or joint pain are aggravated by exposure to Ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) light. This leads to increasing of flares in most people with lupus. The best way is to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays. This can be achieved by the following precautions:

a.Try avoiding the sun. Use sunscreen with high SPF (sun protection factor), wear a hat and try to cover your exposed body parts while going out in the sun. Do not forget to reapply sunscreen post sweating or swimming.

b.Stay indoors when the sun is at its peak, especially in summer. This can be from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

6. Take timely vaccination and medication

Get your regular checkup done by your doctor to manage lupus and to detect and treat if there is any organs are being damaged by lupus.

a. Vaccinations taken during childhood prevent lupus. Protect yourself from pneumonia and flu by getting their vaccine.

b. Prevent osteoporosis by medication.

c. Get your eyes examined regularly by an ophthalmologist.

d. Some lupus patients are sensitive to sulfonamides (antibiotic drugs). These are also called sulfa drugs and comprise of Bactrim, Septra, etc. If you are sensitive to these drugs, tell your doctor about it so that he can prescribe alternative drugs which do not have sulfa.

7. Avoid smoking

Excessive smoking can activate lupus cells causing flares. Avoid smoking completely.

8. Take healthy diet

Take a balanced and healthy diet with lots of greens. Avoid excess fat intake.

9. Pregnant women

Special attention needs to be paid by women if they are in the childbearing years. In some women the lupus does not interfere with conceiving or with pregnancy. But in some women who have higher level of lupus some complications may come up during pregnancy. To be on the safer side all women should get a checkup done with rheumatologist before planning to become pregnant.

10. Interact with other people affected by lupus

Interact with people who are lupus aware and talk to them for more awareness. Join a social organization that fights lupus and be active to make others also aware of this disease.

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