Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Disease? Research suggests “YES!”
Research Article: Passive transfer of fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice Goebel A, Krock E, Gentry C, Israel
History of Lupus
I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.
Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.
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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
New Research: A Root Cause of Lupus? [Reported July 2024]
New research claimed they discovered a root cause of lupus. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and Brigham and Women’s
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to blood clots through various mechanisms. In addition, lupus patients are at
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
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
Lupus and Stress Management: How to lessen stress [January 2025 Update]
Lupus and Stress Management: The Science of Stress and the Immune System January 2025 Update: Mounting evidence that
Lupus Eyes
Have you ever wondered how lupus might secretly impact your eyesight? Most people know lupus can attack the
Lupus Fog Treatment? Vitamin Improves Memory in Research
Finding an effective lupus fog treatment remains elusive. Yet, a 2023 study called the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin
Lupus and Dry Skin
Lupus often manifests its effects on the skin. One potential problem is dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, a lot
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 Thyroid Medications
Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland is at the front of the neck,
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
DHEA and Lupus: Research shows it to be useful and good in some
Other Facts about DHEA and lupus – DHEA and lupus: DHEA stands for DeHydroEpiAndrosterone – Produced by the
Is it Safe to Receive Botox or Filler Injections For Lupus Patients?
A lupus patient at Kelli Roseta’s “More Than Lupus” asks the question ” … is it safe to
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).
Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs
Understanding the Anti-SSA (Anti-Ro) Blood Test in Lupus and Sjögren’s Have you recently received a positive anti-SSA blood
Arthritis – “it’s a Pain in the App” [Coping with lupus]
Guest post: One method of coping with the struggles of lupus Living and coping with the challenges of
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
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
Botox Injections and Lupus
If you have lupus and are considering Botox injections for cosmetic or medical purposes, it’s important to understand
Lupus, the Heart and Blood Vessels [March 2025 Update]
Lupus can significantly impact the heart and blood vessels, known as the cardiovascular system. This article goes into
Positive ANA workup – Is it lupus or not? [October 2024 Update]
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in up to 20% of the healthy population, depending upon the particular lab
Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
Bisphosphonate Drugs and Lupus
Many SLE patients have fractures in their spine (vertebral fractures), and around half do not realize it. After
Lupus and COVID vaccine: Tested in the clinical trials = safe and effective!
Lupus and COVID vaccine: Dr. Thomas recommends not waiting to his patients, read below… Research regarding the COVID
Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing
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
Types of Rash in Lupus: A Comprehensive Guide [February 2026 Update]
Lupus patients have many more types of rash than the commonly discussed butterfly rash and discoid lupus. After
Lupus Flare After Flu Shot? Question of the Day Here
Do Flu Shots Cause Lupus Flares? Lupus flare after flu shot? Question of the day: Dr. Thomas, I
Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death
Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on
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?
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
Top Dermatologist Tips For Itchy, Dry Skin in Lupus and Sjögren’s [April 2026 Update]
Unfortunately, dry, itchy skin is a common problem in lupus patients. Most patients try everything they think may
Lupus and The Eyes [DEC 2025 Update]
Lupus commonly causes dry eyes. Dry eyes may occur due to medications (like antihistamines), prolonged screen time (not
Early Signs of Lupus in Females
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men.
Lupus and the Urinary System [March 2025 Update]
Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) occurs in around 45% of people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, lupus
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
Colossal Shortage of Rheumatologists is Here: Panic?
The Worldwide Shortage of Rheumatologists: Why Wait Times Are Getting Worse Table of Contents: The Decline in Rheumatology
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
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 Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
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
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
Increase Energy with Lupus ([February 2025 Update]
Did you know that energy loss is the most common disabling problem in people living with systemic lupus
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
What to Know about a Lupus Nephritis Urine Sample [UPDATED June 2024]
Lupus patients should provide a urine sample regularly to see if there is possible inflammation of the kidneys
Do I need a 5th COVID Vaccine AND Evusheld if I have lupus? [December 2023 UPDATE]
December 2023 Update: Yearly Fall COVID shots and a replacement for Evusheld The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has
Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin
Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia): Platelets are a type of blood cell that helps blood clot. This protects us
Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems