Lupus is a disease in which the immune system of the body produces antibodies that attack it causing skin, joint, brain, kidney, or any other body part inflammation. Lupus is more common among women as compared to men and affects people of all age but commonly starts between 20-45 years of age. In some cases, only the skin is affected due to lupus known as discoid lupus; in other cases, the internal organs are affected known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is more serious as various organs are involved. In spite of this, some SLE patients lead healthy and active life.

Ways To Prevent Lupus Disease Activity

“Prevention is better than cure.” It is better to prevent lupus from occurring rather than taking medication later on. Although the real cause is not known, you can prevent the factors that may be a reason for the occurrence of lupus. Genetic factor, ultraviolet light, virus and drug play some role in its occurrence.   

Through medications, flares (periodic increase in disease) can be managed. Ultraviolet rays worsen flares, so SLE patients should avoid exposure to sun. SLE sufferers should apply sunscreen and use cloth covering to avoid sun while going out.
   
Several medications may trigger SLE. In several cases, drug-induced lupus occurs because of side effects of some drug. These drugs include: quinidine and procainamide (for abnormal heart rate), hydralazine (for high blood pressure), isoniazide (for tuberculosis), phenytoin (for epilepsy), d-penicillamine (for rheumatoid arthritis). These drugs can cause SLE and stimulate immune system. Drug-induced lupus is not so common and can resolved by discontinuing the drugs.

However, you should not stop medications like corticosteroids abruptly, as they can cause flares. SLE patients have higher risk of infections especially if under medication like immunosuppressors or corticosteroids. Hence, they should report to doctor if unexpected fever occurs for evaluation and should not consume any drug without consulting the doctor.

To prevent lupus from worsening, it is advisable to avoid the cause of its occurrence such as avoid exposure to sun, avoid taking drugs without consulting a doctor, etc. To effectively manage SLE, it is essential to regularly visit the doctor to monitor disease activity, symptoms and side effects of treatment if any.