Medications used to treat lupus often include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, to relieve the pain and stop the inflammation. In more serious cases the physician may prescribe corticosteroids to suppress more severe inflammation. In some patients the newer immunosuppressive agents may be required, especially if there is kidney or brain involvement.

Dogs can develop lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), an immune-mediated disorder that affects multiple body systems. The cause is unknown, but genetic, environmental and, possibly, infectious processes may be involved. Either sex of dog may be affected in equal numbers. Although relatively rare in dogs, SLE occurs more frequently in dogs than in cats. Cats, unlike dogs, only rarely develop immune-mediated disorders. See similar questions...

Treatment of cutaneous lupus may include corticosteroid creams or ointments applied to the rash or lesions. If the lesion does not respond to cream or ointment, the doctor may prescribe injections of corticosteroids directly into the lesion. If a person has particularly widespread lesions, oral corticosteroid medications may be prescribed or the doctor may prescribe anti-malarial medications such as Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). See similar questions...

The cause of lupus remains unknown. It is believed that lupus has a genetic pre-disposition and something in the environment triggers the onset of the disease. See similar questions...

These symptoms can come or go, and can range from mild to severe. Most lupus patients have a combination of symptoms. See similar questions...

Twenty years ago the answer would have been "no." But today, successful pregnancy and childbirth are possible. It is wise for lupus patients to be in the care of a high-risk ob/gyn. See similar questions...

Heredity does seem to play a role. Ten percent of lupus patients have a first-degree relative (sister, daughter, son, mother) or a second-degree relative (aunt, uncle, first cousin) with lupus. Therefore, 90 percent of lupus patients DO NOT have relatives with lupus. Even in identical twins, when one sibling has lupus and the other twin does not, it is believed there are environmental factors that play an important role. See similar questions...

There are four main types of lupus: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) This is commonly referred to as lupus. Characterized by chronic pain and fatigue, the disease can and does attack many of the body's systems. Especially susceptible are the kidneys, blood, skin and joints. Discoid Lupus This type of lupus is often referred to as cutaneous or skin lupus. It is mainly concentrated at the skin, but can also attack hair follicles and mucus membranes. It will not affect internal organs. See similar questions...

Yes, lupus is mainly a woman's disease, although men can have lupus. The ratio of women to men is 9 to 1, or 90%. Before puberty, boys and girls have the same ratio; that is 1 to 1. See similar questions...

of people diagnosed with lupus have positive ANAs. There are other blood tests more specific to people with lupus that can be used in some instances. See similar questions...

Yes, we can refer you to a rheumatologist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats lupus. Just call the Foundation at 800.74.LUPUS (800.745.8787). See similar questions...

There are two medications that are most often prescribed to treat epilepsy, Phenobarbital and potassium bromide. These two drugs used either alone or in combination with each other control seizures in 80 to 95% of all dogs. For dogs who are not controlled with these two drugs, there are other medications that aren't as consistently helpful but may be the perfect medication for an individual dog. See similar questions...