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

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Lupus and cancer image of a woman with cancer cells internal organs and a cancer support ribbon

Lupus and Cancer: Lupus Encyclopedia

As if dealing with lupus alone wasn’t enough, there is an association between Lupus and Cancer. Lupus patients

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

treatment of lupus showing a lot of pills tablets and capsules

Treatment of Lupus: Best Practices & Guidelines [May 2025 Update]

The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into

Man with lupus with hands on his chest during a heart attack

Bottom Line on Diabetes vs Lupus and Stroke & Heart Attacks

Lupus and Stroke and Heart Attacks: A bigger problem than we thought! We have known for a long

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

Understanding Lupus Life Expectancy [Feb 2025 Update]

Dr. Thomas has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in their 70s, 80s, and 90s! Living with lupus is

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

Sunscreen on two fingers of a hand showing how much sunscreen to use for sun protection in lupus

Sun Protection for Lupus Made Simple [August 2026]

Sun protection for lupus is one of its most essential treatments. It is so important I include sunscreen

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

Benlysta Reviews: Learn the amazing truth on how it works

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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

Lupus patient getting intravenous immunoglobulin

Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Immune globulins (also called immunoglobulins) are antibodies. A large number of antibodies given in IVIG for systemic lupus

Hair and Skin Problems in Lupus [Feb 2025 Update]

Most individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience skin involvement or hair loss. There are many different types

Lupus, The Reproductive System, and Pregnancy

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

Lupus and The Endocrine System

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

Woman who has a malar rash (butterfly rash) due to lupus with lupus disease activity

How Severe is Your Lupus? Use a Lupus Severity Index [May 2025 Update)

Our goal in treating systemic lupus erythematosus is complete remission while using medications that include hydroxychloroquine (if not

Melatonin being produced by the pineal gland in lupus

Melatonin For Lupus May be Good Per the Best Medical Evidence [NEW!]

Melatonin For Lupus: What does the Research Show? (Updated August 2021) Why do people

Lupus Mottled Skin & Symptoms (Feb 2025 Update)

One skin issue associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is “mottled skin,” with livedo reticularis being one of

systemic lupus can go into remission on medication

Can Lupus Go Into Remission? – Now thrilled to say “Yes!”

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can go into a lupus remission on medications or treatment Lupus patient: “My doctor

Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Blood Clots in Lupus

People with lupus face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots,

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

COVID Booster vaccine for lupus patients is possible according to research study

Immunosuppressed Patients Respond to Booster Shots: Hope for a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus and Other Autoimmune Disease Patients? [Updated 8/12/21]

Will a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus Patients Increase Response Rates? We do not know, yet. However,

COVID Vaccine and Lupus: Join in a Research Study Now

How the COVID Vaccine and Lupus Interact is Important to Figure Out: Consider Joining this NIH Research Study

Elderly woman and adult daughter caregiver

Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month

Every November, we join millions around the country in Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month. This annual observance honors

Understanding the Lupus Coombs Test (March2025 Update)

The Direct Coombs test is a criterion in the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification criteria. It is also

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

Lupus and the Nervous System

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel

Types of Rash in Lupus: A Comprehensive Guide [September 2026 Update]

Lupus patients have many more types of rash than the commonly discussed butterfly rash and discoid lupus. After

Arm wrestling to see which is better for lupus nephritis: Lupkynis or Benlysta

Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!

Which is Better for Lupus Nephritis: Benlysta or Lupkynis? Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or Lupkyinis?

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

The Lupus Encyclopedia book cover 2nd edition

Three Potential Book Covers for The Lupus Encyclopedia 2nd Edition

THE VOTE IS IN! See the new book cover below 315 people voted for the new book cover

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

exercise and lupus photo of a woman on a stationary bicycle

Weight Loss & Exercise in Lupus: the science & patient view [March 2025 Update]

Weight loss & exercise provide many benefits to lupus patients. Healthcare providers consider exercise as “free medication” with

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

Benlysta is FDA approved to treat lupus nephritis

Benlysta approved for lupus nephritis: is it for mild cases?

Lupus Question of The Day: Is Benlysta for mild lupus nephritis? Ask Dr. T question and shortened answer

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

Dr. Donald Thomas MD holding the new edition Lupus Encyclopedia A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers

The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2: Now Available!

The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers is now available at

Beat cancer woman with pink gloves and pink ribbon for breast cancer

Lupus and Cancer Risk: Learn to Prevent Cancer! [August 2024]

People who have lupus have an increased risk for getting some cancers. Knowing what they are and how

Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin

Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia): Platelets are a type of blood cell that helps blood clot. This protects us

Text stating Mitochondria is the Powerhouse of the Cell a cause of fatigue in lupus

Fatigue in Lupus and Sjogren’s [March 2025 Update]

Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms affecting individuals living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Lupus Can Cause Tooth Decay: How to Prevent Dry Mouth and Cavities (October 2025 Update)

Lupus patients have a high rate of poor dental health and tend to lose their teeth at a

Malaria organism infecting a red blood cell

How does Hydroxychloroquine work for Lupus (SLE)? [February 2025 Update]

Did you know that using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to help lupus patients was discovered by accident? Following that lucky

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

Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection Lupus and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, but they often coexist, causing

Prognosis, Special Populations, and Health Care Disparities

Lupus is a complex autoimmune condition which can affect different groups of people in different ways. This makes

Urticaria hives allergic reaction in systemic lupus erythematosus SLE

Allergies and Itching after COVID vaccine? Announcing Research Here

Results from 64,900 vaccines: How often are allergies and itching after COVID vaccine? We’ll take a look at

Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms

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

What Thyroid Medications Are Used for Lupus?

Understanding the Connection Between Lupus and Thyroid Disorders How Lupus Affects the Endocrine System Systemic lupus erythematosus is

Traveling With Lupus – Advice From a Rheumatologist

Traveling with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents its unique challenges. Making sure that you stay as healthy and

Photosensitivity and lupus. Young woman in straw hat casting intricate shadows on her face under bright sun.

Lupus and Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity is one of the most common and important triggers of lupus symptoms. For many of us living

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

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Dr. Don Thomas, MD

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