Both patients and their friends and relatives need to be educated well about lupus to avoid unnecessary stress and unhelpful comments and advice.

There are some things you can do to help make things easier for people with lupus…

Things that may be helpful:

Lupus can be well managed and most of the time your life can be relatively normal. “Flares” may be associated with certain triggers such as stress, infection, sunlight or something else. You will, get to recognize what the triggers are to your symptoms. Knowing this will mean that you can deal better with them. Between “flares” you may feel well and be symptoms free.

You will need to find out what works best for you.

• Remember fatigue and tiredness is common so resting is good. Pay attention to your body and slow down especially when you are not feeling well. It is not good to push yourself too hard or a “flare” may happen.
• Learn to timetable rest times after active times
• Exercise is good for you as it strengthens muscles and keeps joints flexible. If you are feeling unwell, you should reduce your exercise until you feel better
• Always use sunscreen, hats, glasses as sunlight can make lupus worse. Even some lighting inside the house and at work and school can make your lupus worse. It may be a good idea, in such a case to reduce the strength of the light globes or filter the light.
• Always take the drugs prescribed by your doctor.
• Your diet should include a variety of healthy foods. Don’t eat too many foods that contain high levels of sugars, salts and fats. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and protein.
• Drink adequate fluids, in particular, water.
• Live well and enjoy life.

Know about lupus and how you can help reduce the effects of lupus and its symptoms. Consult your rheumatologist.

#lupus
#SLE
#helpforlupus
#refertorheuma