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Skin Problems in Lupus

dry skin close up on the face of a woman

Lupus and Dry Skin

December 13, 2023

Lupus often manifests its effects on the skin. One potential problem is dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, a lot can be done to improve the itchiness and dryness. 

This article discusses how dry skin occurs in lupus and the tips and …

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Lupus and purple spot

Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin

September 20, 2023
  • Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia): Platelets are a type of blood cell that helps blood clot. This protects us from bleeding too much after we get a cut or other damage to our body tissues and blood vessels. Thrombocytopenia is
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Lupus Mottled Skin

Lupus Mottled Skin & Symptoms (Feb 2025 Update)

August 9, 2023

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

This article discusses the potential causes of lupus mottled skin. 

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NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The

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Photo of person holding a soap bubble

The Best Soap for Lupus Patients (Feb 2025 Update)

June 21, 2023

Selecting the right soap for lupus patients is crucial because certain soaps can worsen irritation from cutaneous lupus (skin lupus) and exacerbate the itchy, dry skin associated with Sjogren’s disease. It’s vital to find a soap that cleans without irritation. …

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Lupus and hives on arm

Lupus and Hives

March 29, 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hives (also called urticaria). Hives are itchy, swollen bumps that appear on the skin. We usually think of hives in the setting of an allergic reaction. However, they can also occur due to autoimmunity. …

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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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Good Advice on Lupus and Sulfa Antibiotics Like Bactrim [April 2025 Update]

Lupus and Bactrim: List sulfa antibiotics (like Bactrim) in your drug intolerance list if you have lupus Lupus
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COVID Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients and What Drugs to Stop [December 2023 UPDATE]

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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!
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Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia – Q & A Video

Dr. Donald Thomas Answers Lupus Patients’ Questions on His Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia Watch this
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Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase

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

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ
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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
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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
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Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death

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Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares

If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
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FDA approves Benlysta for lupus nephritis December 2020

Benlysta (belimumab) is the 1st drug ever FDA-approved to treat lupus nephritis ​Historic milestone! ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins
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Colossal Shortage of Rheumatologists is Here: Panic?

World-wide shortage of rheumatologists= getting worse. This is why it is getting harder to get an appointment with
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The Direct Coombs test is a criterion in the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification criteria. It is also
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While lupus is more common in women, 10% of lupus patients are men. Understanding the symptoms of lupus
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Benlysta for lupus nephritis: Studies show it is effective

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Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been
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Unfortunately, dry, itchy skin is a common problem in lupus patients. Most patients try everything they think may
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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
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Diagnosing lupus is challenging, even for medical professionals. Early diagnosis is crucial for early treatment to reduce inflammation,
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How to stop lupus hair loss! – Yes! You can do things to help! And learn that much
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Did you know that lupus patients have a high rate of poor dental health and tend to lose
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One skin issue associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is “mottled skin,” with livedo reticularis being one of
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Dr. Thomas has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in their 70s, 80s, and 90s! Living with lupus is
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