What is the treatment for lupus?
Lupus is unpredictable and thus difficult to control, but close self-monitoring and proper treatment usually helps. People are often treated by doctors who are specialists in rheumatology. There are a number of treatment options now available. • For milder cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can help relieve joint pain. • Stubborn rashes and more severe joint pain may respond to hydroxychloroquine, a drug that is also used to treat malaria. Hydroxychloroquine also helps to reduce the number of lupus flares. • A short course of corticosteroids, sometimes called “steroids,” reduces inflammation and is recommended for flare-ups. • Mild skin rashes can be treated with over-the-counter corticosteroid creams. Thicker rashes may require prescription steroid creams, steroid injections, or medicines such as hydroxychloroquine. • Antidepressants and mild anti-anxiety drugs can help with the sleeping problems that frequently accompany lupus. • Cyclo