Most of them do not have any common properties other than their ability to slow down the progression of the disease. Due to the potential for serious side effects, long term use is usually discouraged. However if long term use is needed to maintain the control of inflammation, the lowest possible dose should be used. Avoiding overexposure to ultraviolet rays, wearing protective clothing and sunblocks, maintaining good dental hygiene, getting adequate rest of at least 8 hours and possibly a nap during the day, and eating a healthy diet are all important self-help measures. Identifying genes that play a part in the development of lupus is an active area of research.
Apoptosis allows the body to safely get rid of damaged or potentially harmful cells.
If there is a problem in the apoptosis process, harmful cells may stay around and do damage to the body's own tissues. Scientists are studying what role genes involved in apoptosis may play in human disease development. Research to identify genes that predispose some people to the more serious complications of lupus, such as kidney disease, is producing significant findings. Researchers have identified a gene associated with an increased risk of lupus kidney disease in African Americans. They are also making progress in identifying other genes that play a role in lupus.