Diagnosing Lupus

Dr. Don Thomas explains ANA negative lupus

Can You Have Lupus With a Negative ANA Test? “Yes you can!” (October 2024 Update)

January 10, 2021

Protect yourself from medical mistakes. A study by a large group of international lupus experts (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics or SLICC) showed that 6% of their systemic lupus erythematosus patients were ANA negative at the time of diagnosis. With

…

Most Popular

Illustration of collecting a urine sample

How to collect a urine sample properly for testing (UPDATED January 2025)

It is essential for lupus patients to regularly collect an accurate clean catch urine sample

Research Results in Dealing with Autoimmune Disease Fatigue Now

The causes of fatigue and dealing with autoimmune disease fatigue. Tips on how to improve energy with

Rheumatologists: What if hydroxychloroquine eye tests show retinopathy [FEB 2023 Update]

Do not automatically stop hydroxychloroquine if your eye doctor tells you your patient has HCQ-retinopathy! Read more about

How the Covid-19 Vaccine Works: amazing!

It is amazing how the COVID-19 vaccine works (the mRNA vaccines, especially) It intrigues me how the COVID-19

New lupus test for lupus flares announced by The Lupus Foundation

The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index Test: A new lupus lab test

The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index test The Lupus Foundation of America, in its continuous quest to advocate

Lupus and Vaccines: Shingles, Shingrix, and Zostavax

Knowing how lupus and vaccines interact is important since infections are one of the top two causes of

Lupus Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment [March 2025 Update]

Most systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients get headaches. Are these due to lupus? Or are they due to

Photo of a black woman getting a botox injection

Botox Injections and Lupus

If you have lupus and are considering Botox injections for cosmetic or medical purposes, it’s important to understand

CBD for lupus medical marijuana leaf symbol

CBD for Lupus: Look here for the best advice [2023 Update]

Medical Marijuana (Cannabis, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD for Lupus)? Should patients use CBD or other cannabis products for lupus?

Low vitamin D levels can make lupus worse

The Best Lupus Books? Look in the useful list below

Kelli of “More Than Lupus” describes what she considers the best lupus books What are your favorite

Anatomical drawing of a kidney with artery, vein, and ureter

Benlysta for lupus nephritis: Studies show it is effective

Hot off the press SEP 2020! The future is very bright for lupus treatments! The future

Woman holding thermometer to head during what is a lupus flare

What is a Lupus Flare: Prevent and Treat [March 2025 Update]

Did you know that even mild to moderate lupus flares are associated with a two-fold increased risk of

Lupus, The Reproductive System, and Pregnancy

Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems

Image of the central nervous system for CNS lupus

CNS Lupus: When Lupus Affects the Brain & Spine

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can attack the brain, spinal cord, and many other organs. When this

VA Disability for Lupus: Navigating Your Claim [Feb 2025 Update]

Startling statistic: A large study showed that Afghanistan and Iraqi veterans suffering from PTSD were twice as likely

Woman taking pills out of a pill box organizer

Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death

Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on

Hydroxychloroquine and Plaquenil Top Tips

Top Tips on Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus [April 2026 Update]

Taking hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the most important drug for lupus. It is the

Newspaper on fire about lupus patients and COVID-19 vaccines

Provocative Advice: Lupus Patients need COVID Vaccines [2021]

Evaluation and recommendations by noted lupus experts: Lupus patients need COVID vaccines Hot off the press from Lupus

World Lupus Day: Raising Global Awareness – May 10

World Lupus Day takes place every year on May 10 to raise global awareness about a complex autoimmune

Proton pump inhibitor induced subacute cutaneous lupus on upper back of woman with systemic lupus erythematosus

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Due to Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitor-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Clinical characteristics and outcomes In this post we’ll cover subacute cutaneous

Asian woman doctor reading a chest x-ray showing pneumonia

New Pneumonia, Shingles, RSV, and Hepatitis Vaccine Recommendations [2024]

Centers for Disease Control 2024 Vaccine Recommendations In 2024 came out with its new vaccine recommendations. In this

Sleep hygiene recommendations for lupus patients

Lupus and Sleep: Strategies to Sleep Better!

Lupus and Sleep Problems are Common: Strategies to improve your sleep (October 2024 Update) Tips on better sleep

Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine ACR guidelines and recommendations

Immunosuppressants and COVID Vaccine: Fundamentals in the new guidelines

Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine: which you should stop and not stop American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance Summary UPDATED

Lupus and Taking Probiotics/Prebiotics: The truth [Updated JUN ’26]

Should You Take Probiotics for Lupus? Question of the Day: “Probiotic supplements seem to be a real trend

blood test for Epstein Barr virus and mononucleosis

Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine to Prevent Lupus and Other Diseases?

An Epstein Barr virus (EBV) vaccine to prevent lupus? EBV infection may be a common trigger, causing the

Benlysta During Pregnancy - photo of pregnant woman

Benlysta During Pregnancy: Safe and Effective [UPDATE July 2024]

July 2024 Update on Benlysta in Pregnancy A review in the British Medical Journal discussed the recent studies

Lennon Wall graffiti in Prague Czech Republic that says Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

Lupus and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”

What do the following have in common? Lupus A drawing by a 3-year-old Julian Lennon Flowers and gardening

Lupus Tendonitis: A Common Cause of Pain in Lupus Patients

https://www.lupusencyclopedia.com/book-photos/#tendon…

Effects of lupus on the body [Feb 2025 Update]

The effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the body are diverse, impacting individuals in unexpected and varying

Is Lupus Hereditary?

Is Lupus Hereditary? “Yes” Around 200 genes have been identified that increase the risk of getting lupus. This

Anticardiolipin Antibodies and Lupus [Feb 2025 Update]

Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA), a type of antiphospholipid antibody, can thicken the blood and potentially cause devastating blood clots

Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.

Lupus Lab Tests Explained: What Blood Tests Mean for Diagnosing and Monitoring Lupus

Understanding your lupus lab tests when you have lupus can be overwhelming. Labs such as ANA, anti-dsDNA, and

Donald Thomas, MD reading a book while writing The Lupus Encyclopedia and The Lupus Secrets

The Lupus Secrets [Practical Tips for Living with Lupus]

Do you have lupus, then you absolutely want to learn about follow The Lupus Secrets so that you

Extra COVID vaccines are important for us to prevent infection

Dr. Donald Thomas gets his extra COVID vaccines: It was easy!

UPDATED September 2021: I cannot wait to get my extra COVID vaccines … specifically my 3rd booster shot!

Person with lupus spreading COVID-19 by not wearing a mask

Super spreader COVID-19: Infections surge big due to this [Updated]

Super spreader COVID-19: New study shows the answers in the Annals of Internal Medicine Wear a mask to

COVID Vaccines, Evusheld & Stopping Drugs for Shots [FEB 2023 Update]

Stopping Methotrexate for 1 Week as Effective as 2 Weeks after Flu shots [FEB 2023 Update) This

Lupus patient in ICU hospital with COVID-19

COVID-19 deaths in rheumatic diseases

Research Shows More COVID-19 Deaths in Rheumatic Diseases: 10.5% of lupus and rheumatic disease patients died Much higher

Lupus and The Endocrine System

Lupus, a complex autoimmune condition, impacts various systems in the body, including the endocrine system. The endocrine system

Lupus and Nose Ulcers

Lupus and Nose Ulcers Lupus and nose ulcers are more common than many people realize. These painful sores

Lupus and Infections

Lupus infections remain one of the most serious complications for people living with the condition. Chapter 22 of

Photo of sunspots: Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews

Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews: 2025 Sunspots & Milder Lupus?

Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews: Could sunspots in 2025 lead to milder lupus? 2014 photo by NASA showing

itchy skin like happens with lupus rashes

Itchy Skin Can Be a Sign of Active Lupus

Updated JUN 2023 Itchy skin can occur with active lupus rashes (cutaneous lupus). However, other causes are much

dry skin close up on the face of a woman

Lupus and Dry Skin

Lupus often manifests its effects on the skin. One potential problem is dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, a lot

Coronavirus vaccine for COVID-19 and lupus patients

COVID Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients and What Drugs to Stop [December 2023 UPDATE]

The American College of Rheumatology Provides Guidance for stopping drugs to enhance the COVID vaccine for immunocompromised patients

Type 1 interferon cytokines are inhibited by the anifrolumab FDA approval drug

Anifrolumab FDA Approval to Treat Systemic Lupus [Saphnelo February 2025 Update]

Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) is the 2nd FDA-approved biologic to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The first biologic was belimumab

Anti-inflammatory diet for lupus patients

Lupus and Vegetarian Diet: What is the best medical evidence?

Ask Dr. T Question about lupus diet and vegetarians Lupus and Vegetarian Diet? Eating a Vegetarian Diet can

Blood test for creatine phosphokinase (CPK)

Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems

methotrexate for lupus bottle of methotrexate on label

Methotrexate for lupus: help it work better and prevent side effects [January 2025]

Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been

Lupus Joint and Muscle Pain [February 2025 Update]

Close to 90% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will have joint and muscle pain. Fortunately, today’s

Diagnosing Lupus

Protect yourself from medical mistakes. A study by a large group of international lupus experts (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics or SLICC) showed that 6% of their systemic lupus erythematosus patients were ANA negative at the time of diagnosis. With

FOLLOW US

Dr. Don Thomas, MD

Most Popular