Lupus erythematosus: Treatment is directed at controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Treatment plans are individualized to meet each patient’s needs. A patient with mild disease may require no treatment at all. Treatment plans include:

Medication

• Type of medications depends on the organs affected and extent of symptom
• One or more of the following may be prescribed:
  • Acetominophen to manage pain
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce inflammation
  • Oral cortisone to reduce inflammation and control the immune system
  • Antimalarial medication to reduce fatigue, rashes and joint pain
  • Cytotoxic drugs to control inflammation and suppress the immune system

Diet

• Alcohol and smoking may trigger inflammation and lead to flare-ups
• An unbalanced diet may contribute to flare-ups

Exercise

• Regular exercise may help manage pain and stress
• Note that patients may be sensitive to sunlight; sunscreen should be worn to prevent flare-ups
• Medical professionals can help patients design an exercise program to reduce stiffness, increase muscle strength and strengthen the heart as well as control weight and energy levels.

One or more of the following may be prescribed:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce inflammation and pain
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) to slow down or prevent immune attack of the joints
• Corticosteroids to reduce swelling
• Biologic Response Modifiers to block specific hormones involved in inflammation

Exercise

• Regular exercise may help manage pain and stress
• Medical professionals can help patients design an exercise program to reduce stiffness, prevent further joint damage, increase muscle strength and strengthen the heart as well as control weight and energy levels

• Heat relaxes aching muscles and reduces joint pain
• Cold reduces pain and swelling

• Patients whose disease does not respond to other treatments may consider surgery.
• Surgical procedures may be used to
  • clean out damaged joint tissue
  • realign joints
  • fuse joints
  • rebuild parts
  • replace joints

Medication

One or more medications may be prescribed. These include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce inflammation and pain and reduce stiffness
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) to slow down the disease
• Oral cortisone to suppress inflammation and control the  immune system
• Penicillamine to stop or slow over-production of collagen
• Depending on organs affected, medications to control specific problems may be used.

• Exercise improves blood flow in affected areas
• Certain exercises can help maintain muscle strength and joint mobility. In areas affected by scleroderma, these tissues weaken, leading to loss of shape and function.

Skin and body care

• The affected skin of patients is prone to drying. Use of humidifiers in the home, baby oil in baths, and application of creams and lotions to the skin assist in keeping the skin moist.
• To improve blood circulation in the affected areas, patients should wear socks and gloves in cold weather and avoid smoking, which causes constriction of blood vessels.
• Patients with calcium deposits under the skin should avoid putting pressure on these areas, as the skin may break and become infected.
• Patients whose scleroderma affects the esophagus may have trouble swallowing and should chew slowly. Eating smaller, more frequent meals will help decrease acid reflux.

Surgery

• Patients with severely restricted blood flow to an area of the body may require surgery to reduce blood vessel spasms that lead to poor circulation.
• Surgery may also be recommended to remove calcium deposits under the skin.

• One or more medications may be prescribed. These include:
  • Oral cortisone to reduce inflammation and regulate the immune system
  • Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) to slow down the disease
  • Gamma globulin may also be given

• When the disease is active, rest is recommended to prevent muscle strain.
• When the disease is inactive, exercise is recommended to keep muscles from weakening.

Note that skin patients may be sensitive to sunlight. Sunscreen should be worn when exercising outdoors.

To learn about clinical trials that may be underway in Canada related to this skin disorder or disease, check out our Clinical Trials page.