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Friday, 24 August 2012

Need-To-Know Facts About Malar Rash and Lupus

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By Dr. Christine Strong, Nmd


As a licensed Naturopathic MD, I see many Lupus patients throughout the year. In fact, I probably see at least one SLE patient each and every day. I see, first hand, how traditional allopathic treatments and medications can be worse than the disease itself! Lupus and the associated Malar Rash are embarrassing to patients, not to mention scary! Let me give you some hope. I have seen patient eradicate it from their lives.

Each physician, or medical practice has its own standards for treating Lupus. Treatment varies widely. And, not all patients are alike in their symptom picture. Traditional therapies are only moderately successful in controlling the symptoms of SLE. And, of course, they come nowhere near curing the disease. While joint pain and "over all" pain are consistent from patient to patient, not all lupus patients have the butterfly rash.

The patient may be the one to notice the rash and remember hearing something about the relationship between a facial rash and Lupus. It is important to see your PCP who will refer you to a rheumatologist shortly after receiving the positive diagnosis. The rheumatoid specialist has experience with diseases affecting the joints and muscles. Most of my patients complain about severe pain of the arms and hips. This disease can move to the organs as well. In those circumstances, specialists may be called in to control the progression of the disease. And, of course the skin is an organ which is sometimes attacked by Lupus.

So, what is the Standard Treatment for Lupus and Malar Rash. The standard treatment plan consists of several obvious goals. Since lupus is an inflammatory disease, reducing inflammation is at the top of the lists of goals. Since Lupus is not a constant disease; but tends to flare-ups... a second goal will be to treat them adequately when they occur. Overactive immune system is another aspect of Lupus. There are drugs designed to suppress the immune system. Pain management is of utmost importance to a lupus sufferer. The pain and fatigue can be debilitating. Allopathic medicine has an arsenal of prescription pain medications. However, the side effects are less than perfect. Since lupus is an autoimmune disorder, utmost attention is given to preserving and defending joints and organs.

The Lupus Foundation of America lists some of the categories of medications a Lupus sufferer can expect to use as the condition progresses. Some examples are: Diuretics to reduce fluid retention, high blood pressure medications, seizure medications, antibiotics, and drugs for osteoporosis. Steroid treatment is a large part of the arsenal of prescription medications routinely given to Lupus patients. I have found in my practice that Lupus symptoms can be significantly reduced with a change of diet and lifestyle.




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