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Symptoms In Lupus

Lupus and gastro issues

Lupus and Gastro Issues [March 2025 Update]

May 7, 2024

Lupus and its treatments can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the intestines. Mouth sores (oral ulcers) are the most common problem we see. However, many other problems can potentially occur.

This article discusses lupus and gastro …

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Lupus eye

Lupus Eyes

April 3, 2024

Have you ever wondered how lupus might secretly impact your eyesight? Most people know lupus can attack the joints, skin, and major organs like the kidneys. However, many do not realize that lupus inflammation can attack the eyes. And that …

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Increase energy with lupus

Increase Energy with Lupus ([February 2025 Update]

December 21, 2023

Did you know that energy loss is the most common disabling problem in people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? However, some interventions can help improve energy. This article delves into strategies to increase energy with lupus, drawing insights from …

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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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Effects of lupus on the body

Effects of lupus on the body [Feb 2025 Update]

November 15, 2023

The effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the body are diverse, impacting individuals in unexpected and varying ways. If I were to line up 100 SLE patients, they would have different problems, and none have the same issues. This …

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Early signs of lupus in females

Early Signs of Lupus in Females

November 2, 2023

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men. This post covers the early signs of lupus in females.

Lupus symptoms in women also vary depending upon their time in life, …

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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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White blood cells in urine or pyuria

Lupus and High White Blood Cells in Urine

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts can arise in lupus patients for various reasons. This article will delve
World Lupus Day 2026

World Lupus Day: Raising Global Awareness – May 10

World Lupus Day takes place every year on May 10 to raise global awareness about a complex autoimmune
Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine ACR guidelines and recommendations

Immunosuppressants and COVID Vaccine: Fundamentals in the new guidelines

Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine: which you should stop and not stop American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance Summary UPDATED
blood test for Epstein Barr virus and mononucleosis

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
Pregnant black woman's stomach with a fetus ultrasound at image for having a successful pregnancy with lupus

How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [June 2026 Update)

A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and
Malar butterfly rash symptom of lupus

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
Illustration of collecting a urine sample

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  
Image that says CAR-T Cells made simple

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,
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
Hydroxychloroquine and Plaquenil Top Tips

Top Tips on Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus [August 2026 Update]

Taking hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the most important drug for lupus. It is the
Lupus patient with COVID coronavirus

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
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,
Two arm wrestlers representing Saphnelo vs Benlysta

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
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
Drawing of an electron microscopic view of the hepatitis C virus

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
White woman doctor giving female lupus patient a flu shot

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other
Two thumbs up

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
3D image of kidneys and adrenal glands

Lupus and Adrenal Insufficiency

Many people with lupus need corticosteroids such as prednisone or methylprednisolone to control inflammation and prevent organ damage.
Lupus Mottled Skin

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
Asian woman doctor reading a chest x-ray showing pneumonia

New Pneumonia, Shingles, RSV, and Hepatitis Vaccine Recommendations [2024]

Centers for Disease Control 2024 Vaccine Recommendations In 2024 came out with its new vaccine recommendations. In this
Photo of person holding a soap bubble

The Best Soap for Lupus Patients (January 2026 Update)

Selecting the right soap for lupus patients is crucial because certain soaps can worsen irritation from cutaneous lupus
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
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?
Discoid lupus on the chest of a white woman Saphelo for lupus

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 laboratory tests

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
Increase energy with lupus

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 and purple spot

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 question should I get a 5th COVID vaccine and Evusheld

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
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).
Discoid lupus erythematosus on the cheek of a white woman with systemic lupus

Can Discoid Lupus Turn into Systemic?- “Sure” Now more about the truth

The Latest Research Answers the Question: “Can discoid lupus turn into systemic lupus erythematosus?” Discoid lupus: note the
CBD for lupus medical marijuana leaf symbol

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?
New lupus test for lupus flares announced by The Lupus Foundation

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
Anti-cardiolipin antibodies and lupus

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
Vitamin D supplement preventing disease: How to prevent lupus

How to Prevent Lupus & Other Autoimmune Diseases [April 2026]

This blog post will give advice on how to prevent lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I will first
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
salmon for anti-inflammatory diet with vegetables

Lupus Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Lifestyle changes advice [January 2025]

Anti-Inflammatory Diet Guide for Autoimmune Diseases Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can significantly help manage autoimmune diseases like lupus
Dr. Don Thomas explains ANA negative lupus

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
Image of two kidneys and some doctors with the title chronic kidney disease

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
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
Lupus Prognosis, Special Populations, and Health Care Disparities

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
A lupus Coombs test being done in a lab

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
Bisphosphonate drugs and lupus

Bisphosphonate Drugs and Lupus

Many SLE patients have fractures in their spine (vertebral fractures), and around half do not realize it. After
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
Dry cracked skin

Top Dermatologist Tips For Itchy, Dry Skin in Lupus and Sjögren’s [MAY 2026 Update]

Unfortunately, dry, itchy skin is a common problem in lupus patients. Most patients try everything they think may
dry skin close up on the face of a woman

Lupus and Dry Skin

Lupus often manifests its effects on the skin. One potential problem is dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, a lot

Anti-inflammatory Diet for Autoimmune Disease: New Research (AI Protocol)

What is the Autoimmune Protocol (AI Protocol)? The Autoimmune Protocol (AI Protocol) is another term for an anti-inflammatory
Image showing complications of dry mouth from lupus exocrine involvement

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
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for weight loss in lupus, shown with GLP-1 injection pens, lupus butterfly, heart and kidney icons, and measuring tape.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for Weight Loss in Lupus: What Patients Should Know [SEP 2026 Update]

Many people with lupus ask me about the newer weight-loss and diabetes medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro,
Blood test for creatine phosphokinase (CPK)

Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase

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