Lupus and The Exocrine Gland System: Sjögren’s Disease [Mar ’25 Update]
Lupus patients can have dry mouth, eyes, and skin. Most of the time, this is due to having
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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Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [February 2025 Update]
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) effectively treats individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. It reduces the overactivity of an immune system molecule
Lupus and Vitamin D Advice: Can be lowest in women of color
Lupus and vitamin D in Women of Color. Why and what to do- “Ask Dr. T!” question of
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
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
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
Proteinuria in Lupus Nephritis: Video tips and the bottom line [March 2025 UPDATE]
When excessive protein leaks from the kidneys and into the urine, it is called proteinuria. Proteinuria in lupus
Understanding Antimalarials in Lupus Treatment
Patients frequently ask why medications originally designed to treat malaria are effective for autoimmune diseases. We find the
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
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, 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
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
CAR-T Cell Therapy For Lupus Made Simple (January 2025 UPDATE)
The field of CAR-T therapies in treating autoimmune diseases like lupus is rapidly expanding. As of April 2024,
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
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
Symptoms of Lupus in Men [March 2025 Update]
While lupus is more common in women, 10% of lupus patients are men. Understanding the symptoms of lupus
Early Signs of Lupus: What to Look For (May 2025 Update)
We must diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) soon after symptoms begin. The quicker we treat SLE, the less
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
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
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 Gastro Issues [March 2025 Update]
Lupus and its treatments can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the intestines. Mouth sores
Chromatin antibody: Make sure you know your labs [January 2026 UPDATE]
Some systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are positive for anti-chromatin antibodies. This is an interesting antibody that has some
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 and Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity is one of the most common and important triggers of lupus symptoms. For many of us living
Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [February 2025]
Saphnelo and Benlysta are two FDA-approved biologics for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They work in two very
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to blood clots through various mechanisms. In addition, lupus patients are at
Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks [January 2026 Update]
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25% of systemic lupus
Lupus and Fibromyalgia
Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection Lupus and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, but they often coexist, causing
Lupus and Infections
Lupus infections remain one of the most serious complications for people living with the condition. Chapter 22 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
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
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
Botox Injections and Lupus
If you have lupus and are considering Botox injections for cosmetic or medical purposes, it’s important to understand
Lupus Tendonitis: A Common Cause of Pain in Lupus Patients [August 2026 Update]
https://www.lupusencyclopedia.com/book-photos/#tendon…
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
Lupus and the Respiratory System [March 2025 Update]
The respiratory system, or the pulmonary system, is commonly affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This system plays
Joint Protection Advice for Lupus Arthritis [July 2025 Update]
Joint protection is crucial in managing pain. When you rest a painful joint or tendon, you help decrease
Biologic Agents
Biologic Agents Chapter 33 of The Lupus Encyclopedia explains how living cells build these medicines and how we
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
Can You Have Lupus With a Negative ANA Test? “Yes you can!” (October 2024 Update)
Protect yourself from medical mistakes. A study by a large group of international lupus experts (Systemic Lupus International
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
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
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
Preparing for Surgery With Lupus: A Rheumatologist’s Checklist
Surgery presents unique challenges for lupus patients, who are at higher risk of infections and other complications. The
Lupus and Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25 to 30% of
3 Ways to Stop Lupus Kidney Disease Progression [Jan 2025]
It is indeed possible to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with lupus and
Lupus and Thyroid Medications
Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland is at the front of the neck,
Supplements That Worsen Lupus & 6 That Help [March 2025 Update]
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. This post discusses a 2024 research study
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
Lupus in Women: From Puberty to Menopause
Lupus in women occurs much more often than in men. There are many reasons this occurs. Also, lupus