Lupus

Is your lupus active? How to read the signs of active inflammation

May 27, 2024 ·

Lupus is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can navigate through it and become an expert in your condition.

Understanding Lupus: A Closer Look

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and organs. One of the hallmarks of lupus is inflammation, where the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs, leading to pain, swelling, and damage.

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Navigating Travel with Lupus

May 6, 2024 ·

Living with lupus presents its own set of challenges, but it shouldn’t hinder your ability to explore the world and indulge in your wanderlust. Although it may look different than pre-lupus days, travel is still something those with lupus can enjoy. All it takes is a little planning.

Managing Lupus Medications

One of the primary concerns when traveling with lupus is figuring out how to manage your meds. It’s crucial to establish a consistent medication routine before embarking on your journey, if you aren’t great at taking your meds at home, you certainly won’t be while away!

Avoid scheduling travel shortly after starting new lupus medications, as it may take time to adjust your dose and determine if it’s working. Always make sure you have an ample supply of medications for the duration of your trip, including emergency packs such as prednisone.

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Is Lupus Preventable?

April 8, 2024 ·

Can we prevent lupus? What do we need to know before we can answer this question? How close are we today?

Understanding Lupus and Autoimmunity

Lupus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems in the body. From joint pain and fatigue to more severe complications involving the kidneys, brain, or heart, lupus presents a wide spectrum of symptoms and challenges for patients. At its core, SLE is characterized by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

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What does your “ANA Pattern” mean?

February 21, 2024 ·

Navigating your ANA Test

Did you ever get an ANA test and feel confused by the results? You’re not alone! Many people feel puzzled when they hear about ANA patterns and what they mean for conditions like lupus. Our new video on YouTube is here to help you understand!

Understanding ANA Patterns

The ANA test checks for autoimmune conditions, but it’s not always easy to understand the results. A positive result doesn’t always mean you have a problem, and a negative result doesn’t always mean you’re okay. We need to look at other things too, like how you’re feeling and your medical history.

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Discoid Lupus Explained

December 30, 2021 ·

Discoid lupus must be just like “regular” lupus, right? I mean, lupus is lupus, no? You’d think so, but like most things within Rheumatology, it rarely makes that much sense. When one speaks of “lupus” they are usually talking about SLE or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. SLE is a systemic (affects the entire body), autoimmune condition. Discoid Lupus, or DLE, is a condition solely of the skin. One can certainly have “discoid lesions” when they have SLE and we are always on alert for the development of SLE, but rest assured, they are two different entities.

The name “discoid” stems from the description of the typical rash seen with DLE: a disc shaped, red patch with a scale and with scaring. It is common to worry about “progression to SLE.” Thankfully, development of SLE is the exception, rather than the rule. Although dermatologists are often the main caregivers of DLE, a full evaluation by a rheumatologist can provide insight and peace of mind.

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