WeAreLupus.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Lupus & Fibromyalgia

Good self-care is essential to managing lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). Learn to recognize your body's warning signs of a flare. Warning signs may include increased fatigue, joint pain, rash, or fever. When you notice any of these signs, take steps to control your symptoms.Stress may trigger lupus symptoms. Keep your stress level as low as you can.•Keep your daily schedule as simple as possible.•Keep your list of obligations to others to a bare minimum.•Delegate to others.•Exercise regularly. A daily walk, for example, can reduce stress, clear your head, improve your mood, and help fight fatigue.•Use relaxation techniques such...

Lupus symptoms tend to present themselves according to the body system affected. These symptoms vary over time in intensity and duration for each patient as well as from patient to patient. To effectively care for a lupus patient, the nurse or other health professional needs an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the disease, its many manifestations, and its changing and often unpredictable course.This article provides an overview of general and system-specific lupus manifestations and identifies potential problems. Suggested health care interventions for the nonhospitalized lupus patient are given. Many of these interventions can be modified for the hospitalized patient. The...