MAY IS LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH!

What is lupus?

Lupus is, at the most basic level, a long-term autoimmune condition. It causes joint pain, skin rashes, and tiredness. There’s no cure available, but symptoms can improve if the treatment for them starts early.

The main symptoms of lupus are:

• Joint and muscle pain.

• Extreme tiredness will not go away, no matter how much rest you might get.

• Rashes - typically over the nose and cheeks.

Less common symptoms include:

• Headaches.

• Mouth sores.

• A high temperature.

• Hair loss.

• Sensitivity to light (causing rashes on uncovered skin).

Lupus varies in severity from person to person and can be as mild as slight joint pain and tiredness, as well as being potentially life-threatening in certain situations.

Typically, lupus flares up, and symptoms become worse for a few weeks, or sometimes even longer than that. Over time, symptoms will typically then settle down, going into remission. The reason why symptoms flare up or settle down is not known. As with any condition, though, there are exceptions. Some lupus sufferers have constant symptoms and do not notice flare-ups or periods of remission.

What causes lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body.

While the causes of lupus are not totally understood, possible causes include:

• Viral infection.

• Certain medicines.

• Sunlight.

• Puberty.

• Childbirth.

• Menopause.

Typically, more women than men get lupus, and it’s more common in black and Asian women. Lupus is not contagious.

Living with lupus

Living with lupus can be tricky, and you might need to make changes to your life. There are certain things to avoid, and certain things that it would be wise to make sure you do. To make life easier when living with lupus, make sure to:

• Use high-factor sunscreen to protect your skin.

• Learn to pace yourself to avoid excess tiredness.

• Try to stay active even on bad days.

• Try relaxation techniques to manage stress - stress can negatively affect symptoms.

• Wear a hat in the sun.

• Tell your employer about your condition - you might be able to adjust your working pattern.

• Ask for help from family, friends, and health professionals.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet, including vitamin D and calcium.

There are also things you should avoid. Principally, make sure to stop smoking if you do already, it will certainly help. Also, try not to sit in direct sunlight or spend a lot of time in rooms with fluorescent lights.

Lupus can be a really tough condition to live with, and the only way to ensure that people get help is to ensure that as many people as possible are aware. Make sure to share this article to raise awareness and get help to people that might need it.

Lupus and Massage!

At Align Total Wellness we welcome Clients dealing with Lupus. Because there is some substantial research showing how effective massage therapy can be for pain relief, stress, and relaxation our Wellness Massage can be a natural fit!

For more information on Lupus and the symptoms of Lupus Foundation of America.