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The treatment of Lupus is varied and depends on type of Lupus and the severity of symptoms. And since the course of Lupus is unpredictable the doctors may have to try several different treatments and drugs before finding an effective treatment.
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
This type of Lupus is easily treated by stopping the medications that have caused the condition. If the condition is detected early on and medication is stopped the symptoms disappear. Cortocosteroids and Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) would be recommended for those patients who have severe symptoms.
Lupus Nephritis
The treatment of Lupus Nephritis depends on the state of patient. Initial treatment would be through Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone. For most cases, high doses of the steroids would be given intravenously for three days followed by tablets. Recently a new immunosuppressant drug mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) has been used successfully to treat lupus kidney disease.
If the kidneys have been damaged beyond medication the physician might suggest dialysis or even transplant.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
This type of Lupus doesn’t cause any permanent damage or scarring and the treatment for this would be through systemic steroids and antimalarial drugs. These drugs are quite effective in clearing the lesions and scars without any severe side effects.
Discoid lupus erythematosus
Cortisone ointment or injections is the accepted initial treatment depending on the intensity of the infection. The physician would also suggest sunscreen lotions for protection from ultra violet rays and steroid creams to decrease inflammation in the affected areas of the skin. In some cases a short-term treatment of oral steroids are recommended if the Lupus condition is serious. Some medications that are used to treat Malaria are also used to treat DLE.
This type of Lupus cannot be totally cured and medications will have to be taken life-long.
Neonatal lupus
This is a very rare type of Lupus that affects the new born infants if the mother is affected by Lupus. If the Lupus is detected in the early stages of pregnancy treatment can be given to the unborn child by administering cortisone to the mother which will be transferred to the baby through the placenta.
If the baby is affected by Lupus, there are very less chances of it developing into SLE but if the infant develops a congenital heart block a pacemaker would be recommended to correct the heart beat rate. Other symptoms like rashes, liver inflammation normally disappear within 6 months.
There are other treatments for Lupus that are also explored by many patients since the allopathy medicines cannot completely cure the condition. Some of the alternative approaches are:
- Natural therapy
- Homeopathy medicines
- Holistic treatment and;
- Herbal Medicines
Though these treatments have improved the patient’s immune system, it is important to consult the physician before trying out these methods. And for severe conditions allopathy medicines are strongly recommended.
The natural therapy for Lupus begins with the diet of the patient. They are recommended to eat frequent smaller meals and limit the intake of milk and beef. More vegetables and fish are advised several times a week.
Herbal treatment with locorice root and ginseng is recommended since they support adrenal function and improves fatigue and stress. Other herbs like Cheladonium and Taraxacum help in improving liver, kidney, and intestinal function etc., are also used by complementary practioners.
Other herbs and supplements used by the practioners are cat's claw, black walnut, omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil that are supposed to lessen inflammation. Colloidal silver may also be recommended as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiarthritic treatment.
Some homeopathic treatments have been successful in treating Lupus. Professional homeopaths would recommend the homeopathic treatment based on the patient’s condition and medical history. |
