Disseminated lupus erythematosus; SLE; Lupus; Lupus erythematosus

There is no cure for SLE. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms. Your individual symptoms determine your treatment.

Mild disease that involves a rash, headaches, fever, arthritis, pleurisy, and pericarditis does not need much therapy.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are used to treat arthritis and pleurisy.
• Corticosteroid creams are used to treat skin rashes.
• An antimalaria drug (hydroxychloroquine) and low-dose corticosteroids are sometimes used for skin and arthritis symptoms.

You should wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when in the sun.

Severe or life-threatening symptoms (such as hemolytic anemia, extensive heart or lung involvement, kidney disease, or central nervous system involvement) often require treatment by a rheumatologist and other specialists.

• Corticosteroids or medications to decrease the immune system response may be prescribed to control the various symptoms.
• Cytotoxic drugs (drugs that block cell growth) are used to treat people who do not respond well to corticosteroids, or who are unable to stop taking corticosteroids without their symptoms getting worse.

For additional information and support, see lupus resources.

Images

Antibodies

Lupus, discoid on the face

Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face

Lupus, discoid - view of lesions on the chest

Lupus, discoid on a child's face

Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face

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Review Date: 02/07/2010
Reviewed By: Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)