Early treatment can also reduce the time you spend on higher doses of medications. Follow your doctor's instructions and take medications only as prescribed. Limit or avoid alcohol. Eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Doctors diagnose SLE from the clinical history, physical examination and test results.
Treatment depends on which organs are affected and the severity of involvement.
Because lupus may assume many forms, finding the most effective treatment may take time. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 and protection from ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds are recommended even if the skin is not involved, because ultraviolet light can trigger a flare. Anti-malarial medications may be useful for treating skin and joint problems and serositis and may prevent flares of the disease. Side effects of steroid use include weight gain, puffiness in your face, easy bruising, thinning of bones, high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. Other such medications are methotrexate, chlorambucil and cyclosporine.