
Infections And Lupus

December 2023 revision:
A 2023 study showed that abatacept does not interfere with how well COVID vaccines
…
Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
November 27, 2020
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares?
Bacteria in urine was found in a study to possibly increase flares in lupus patients. If this is true, then decreasing bacteria in the urine could possibly help …

Lupus and Hepatitis C: Lupus Patients Should be Tested for Hepatitis C
September 12, 2020
The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus … read on!
Hepatitis C is a virus that can attack the liver (called hepatitis) as well as numerous other organs of the body.

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!
September 7, 2020
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other Autoimmune Disease Patients, and … well… Everyone!
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Dr. Don Thomas, MD
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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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
Lupus Mottled Skin and the Symptoms (February 2025 Update)
One skin issue associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is “mottled skin,” with livedo reticularis being one of
Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
Understanding Lupus Life Expectancy
Living with lupus is a journey marked by uncertainty. One aspect that often weighs on individuals is 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 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
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
Early Signs of Lupus: What to Look For
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. Early diagnosis is key
Lupus Tendonitis: A Common Cause of Pain in Lupus Patients
https://www.lupusencyclopedia.com/book-photos/#tendon…
Lupus and Thyroid Medications
Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland, which is situated at the front of
Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems
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 Dry Skin
Lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, commonly affects the skin, including causing dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, a lot can
Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]
The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus Click
Understanding the Lupus Coombs Test: Know your labs! (October 2024 Update)
The Direct Coombs test is also known as the direct Coombs antibody test and the direct antiglobulin test
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
Lupus Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Lifestyle changes advice [January 2025]
Eating a diet high in foods that decrease inflammation while avoiding or minimizing foods that increase inflammation can
Lupus and The Digestive System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ
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
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: Now see me excited to get it
What was it like getting the COVID-19 vaccine? … and some advice for lupus patients A rheumatology
Vitamins For Lupus: Avoid some is the best advice
Not All Supplements and Vitamins for Lupus Patients are Safe Vitamins for lupus patients: “Ask Dr. T!” question
Symptoms of Lupus in Men
While lupus is more common in women, 10% of lupus patients are men. Understanding the symptoms of lupus
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,
Chromatin antibody: Make sure you know your labs
Know your labs when you have lupus Chromatin is our DNA packaged up nice and neat with other
Lupus and the Urinary System
Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) occurs in around 45% of people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, lupus
Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25 to 30% of
Covid-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients: Please get your vaccine
Should We be Recommending the COVID-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients?: Yes! What I tell my systemic lupus patients
How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [January 2025 Update)
A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and
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
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
Now Research Shows: Lupus tendinitis, common cause of lupus pain
Jaccoud’s arthropathy due to lupus tendinitis (lupus tendonitis) and lupus tenosynovitis What is lupus tendinitis (also spelled lupus
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 Hepatitis C: Lupus Patients Should be Tested for Hepatitis C
The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus … read
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?
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! Heed my practical
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
How to Diagnose Lupus: 10 Symptoms (February 2025 Update)
Diagnosing lupus is challenging, even for medical professionals. Early diagnosis is crucial for early treatment to reduce inflammation,
Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin. Purple spots
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
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
Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!
Which is better for lupus nephritis? Here is my answer! Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or
Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs
What is the anti-SSA test? What the lab technician sees under the microscope when testing a patient for
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 – It is produced
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
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
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis: Now in a nutshell in this video [FEB 2025 UPDATE]
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis in easy-to-understand language ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a
Fatigue in Lupus and Sjogren’s [December 2023 Update]
Abnormal mitochondria may play a role in fatigue in lupus: Exercise and NAC supplements appear to help February
Lupus and the Nervous System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel
CNS Lupus: When Lupus Affects the Brain and Spinal Cord
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can attack the brain, spinal cord, and many other organs. When this