You may need to see different kinds of doctors to treat the many symptoms of lupus. Once you’re diagnosed, your primary physician for lupus is usually a rheumatologist, who treats arthritis and other diseases that cause swelling in the joints. The rheumatologist may then send you to a clinical immunologist for treating immune system disorders, a nephrologist (kidney disease), a hematologist (blood disorders), a dermatologist (skin diseases), a neurologist (the nervous system), a cardiologist (heart and blood vessel problems) and an endocrinologist (glands and hormones).
A treatment plan may aim to:
Prevent or treat flares.
Prevent or reduce organ and joint damage.
Reduce swelling and pain.
Help the immune system.
Balance hormones.