Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
Get the iPhone MyHealth app »
Get the Android MyHealth app »
Treatment for Lupus
Treatment for Lupus
There is no cure for lupus. Specific treatment for lupus will be determined by your physician based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the condition
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
- Expectation for the course of the disease
- Specific organs that are affected
- Your opinion or preference
If lupus symptoms are mild, treatment may not be necessary, other than possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for joint pain. Other treatment may include:
- Hydroxychloroquine, quinacrine, chloroquine, or a combination of these medications
- Corticosteroids (to control inflammation)
- Immunosuppressive medication (to suppress the body's autoimmune system)
- Liberal use of sunscreen, decreased time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing hats and long sleeves when outdoors, as about one-third of persons with lupus have the tendency to develop a rash in the sun
- Rest, including at least eight to 10 hours of sleep at night; naps and breaks during the day
- Stress reduction
- Well-balanced diet
- Immediate treatment of infections
Children with lupus should not receive immunizations with live viruses, including chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and oral polio vaccines. Consult your child's physician regarding all vaccines.