Systemic lupus erythematosus predominantly affects women and is more common in blacks. Although survival rates have improved, over one half of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have permanent damage in one or more organ systems. Arthritis and skin manifestations are most common, but kidney, hematologic and neurologic manifestations contribute largely to illness and mortality. Lupus often gets worse during pregnancy and with oral contraceptives.

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Natural treatment for lupus
Eat more cold water fish and take fish oil capsules. Lipoic Acid in small doses could perhaps offer mild help. DHEA has been tested but this hormone may help but has serious side effects.

Lupus and food
Food that may aggravate lupus include excess calories, excess protein, high fat (especially saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), and iron. Some people with lupus placed on food allergy elimination diets report improvement in their lupus symptoms; however, this may be related to a decrease of other substances in the diet.

Symptoms of lupus
At some point, over 90 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have polyarthralgias or polyarthritis because of the disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the mainstay of treatment in these patients, especially those who have mild polyarthralgias or polyarthritis. NSAIDs may adversely affect renal function, a special concern because 50 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus develop associated nephritis.

Lupus Treatment
One of the first steps in the treatment of lupus is to stop smoking since smoking could well lead to lupus flare ups. Two of the common drugs used for lupus treatment are hydroxychloroquine and cyclophosphamide. Rituximab and new anti-B-cell drugs hold promise for the treatment of severe lupus.

Hormone replacement in women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Menopause hormonal therapy does not seem to alter lupus disease activity. However, an apparently increased risk of thrombosis seems to be a real threat in women with systemic lupus erythematosus who receive menopausal hormone therapy.

Medical drug treatment for lupus
Plaquenil - hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200 mg tabs. Hydroxychloroquine side effects include irreversible retinopathy, blurred vision, hair bleaching, alopecia (loss of hair), pruritus, rash, nausea.

Drug cause of lupus
Terbinafine, an oral antifungal agent, which rarely causes cutaneous eruptions, has been implicated as the cause or exacerbation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus in several patients.

Lupus questions
Q. Do you think it is advisable to take royal jelly supplement if I was diagnosed with lupus 38 years ago and have been in remission for years? I do have a low white blood count and my immune system.
   A. We really are not in a position to offer individual advice, all we can do is offer general research info on lupus and royal jelly and then it is up to you and your doctor to decide whether royal jelly is appropriate for your particular condition.