What should I do about lupus joint pain?

Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, most suffer from arthralgia. The joint pain caused by systemic lupus erythematosus is due to the deposition of immune complexes in the joint cavity, or inflammation of the blood vessels nourishing the joints. This primarily manifests as joint swelling and pain, and often occurs symmetrically. When joint pain occurs in lupus, in addition to corticosteroid therapy, we can also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under the guidance of a doctor. These drugs can achieve good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, patients with renal insufficiency should use these drugs with caution.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can lupus be treated without steroids?

Hormones are currently the first choice of drugs for treating lupus erythematosus, and there are no other drugs that can replace them temporarily, so we still recommend using hormones for treatment. Hormones can quickly and effectively suppress the immune response, reducing the damage to the patient's body from the inflammatory substances released during the immune response. This kind of immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory action is a protective therapeutic effect on the body. Although long-term use of large doses of hormones has certain side effects, it can quickly block the development of the disease and alleviate the condition. The function of hormones cannot be replaced by any other drug at present, so, no matter what stage the lupus erythematosus patients are in and regardless of the type of damage, hormones are the first choice of drugs. Hormones have many side effects, therefore, we need to use hormone drugs for treatment rationally and standardized under the guidance of a doctor, and should not take them arbitrarily to avoid serious consequences.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Lupus is what disease?

Lupus erythematosus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple systems and organs. Patients' serum contains various autoantibodies, with the main pathological changes being inflammatory reactions and vascular abnormalities. Most patients exhibit butterfly-shaped erythema on the bridge of the nose and cheeks, which is the most characteristic manifestation of lupus erythematosus. The clinical presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus are diverse, generally characterized by the "four multiples": involvement of multiple systems, multiple organs, multiple autoantibodies, and a higher prevalence among women of childbearing age. Without proper and effective treatment, the mortality rate is high, with the main causes of death being infections, renal failure, and damage to the central nervous system.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can people with lupus eat beef?

For patients with lupus, we recommend eating less beef. This is because our dietary guidelines for lupus patients are: high protein, low fat, low salt, low sugar, and foods rich in various vitamins and calcium. Since beef is a high-phenylamine protein food, it is advised to consume less of it. Patients can eat some fish, lean meat, chicken, and duck, depending on their financial situation, to supplement the protein lost in the kidneys but should not eat too much to avoid indigestion. The diet for lupus patients should be light, and when cooking, food should not be too oily or too spicy.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Does lupus cause itchy skin?

The rash in patients with lupus erythematosus is generally not noticeably itchy. In patients with lupus erythematosus, the characteristic changes include a butterfly-shaped rash on the bridge of the nose and cheeks. The skin lesions of lupus erythematosus include photosensitivity, hair loss, erythema on the palms and soles and around the nails, discoid lupus, nodular erythematosus, seborrheic dermatitis, livedo reticularis, and Raynaud's phenomenon, among others. Generally, there is no noticeable itching. If significant itching occurs, it suggests an allergy. Itchy rash after immunosuppressive treatment should be monitored for fungal infections. Lupus patients receiving steroid and immunosuppressive therapy, if experiencing unexplained localized skin burning, may be showing early signs of herpes zoster and should seek prompt medical attention at a hospital.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Does lupus erythematosus transmit through living and eating together?

Lupus erythematosus is not contagious through sharing meals or living together. It is an autoimmune disease, not an infectious one, hence it cannot be transmitted to others by living or eating together. The exact mechanism of lupus is currently unclear, but it may be related to various factors such as sex hormones, genetics, infections, and physical and chemical factors, and it is more commonly seen in females. Clinically common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, oral ulcers, hair loss, etc. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the affected target organ. If lupus nephritis occurs, symptoms such as edema can appear. If the lungs are involved, it can promote pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, and in severe cases, patients may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.