Skin therapy for lupus is not only in the form of anti-inflammatory

The community generally recognizes lupus as an incurable disease that causes many complications for patients. Reddish rash on the cheeks that look like butterfly wings is one of the characteristics of this disease.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease or condition when the immune system attacks the tissues and organs of the body that cause inflammation. Because of this, inflammation is treated by giving anti-inflammatory drugs.

Can Anti-Inflammation Overcome Skin Disorders in People with Lupus?

The anti-inflammatory function is only intended to reduce inflammation that occurs in the patient's body and not to overcome skin problems. Inflammation causes fever, pain, swelling of joints and muscles and stiffness, and other tissues.

The supply of anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce these symptoms and prevent other more serious medical problems. Inflammation due to lupus can trigger kidney disease, heart problems and even damage to the nervous system.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the form of ibuprofen and naproxen, which are found in various pharmacies, are one of the anti-inflammatory drugs used. However, severe inflammation requires NSAIDs as determined by the doctor.

However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have side effects, including kidney problems, an increased risk of heart problems, dizziness, stomach bleeding, and diarrhea.

In addition to NSAIDs, aspirin is one of the anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory drugs that is also used to treat joint discomfort due to lupus recurrence. However, in some people, the use of aspirin triggers digestive problems and kidney problems.

Corticosteroids are other alternative anti-inflammatory drugs that can be used. This is the most powerful anti-inflammatory drug of other drugs of the same type. In just a few hours, corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain.

The use of corticosteroids has serious side effects and therefore requires advice and instructions from a doctor. Sometimes a cream containing corticosteroids is also given to treat rashes in people with lupus.

What drug therapies are suitable for skin disorders in people with lupus?

If anti-inflammatory drugs are not the right treatment, what is the right treatment for treating lupus skin disorders? The actual administration of the drug depends on the rash caused by lupus.

Antimalarial drugs, such as plaquenil, can prevent rashes from lupus and strengthen the skin's defense system against the sun's ultraviolet rays. Interestingly, it turns out that antimalarial drugs have other functions.

Corticosteroids not only act as anti-inflammatory, but also as one of the most widely used drugs to treat skin conditions in lupus patients. This drug helps treat lupus rashes. Corticosteroids can be found in the form of creams, sprays, oils, solutions, gels, etc.

There are also drugs known as immunomodulators that can treat serious skin disorders due to lupus without any side effects seen when using corticosteroids.

Immunomodulating drugs work by suppressing the skin's immune system, which causes rashes, wounds, etc. In addition to immunomodulatory drugs, thalidomide-based drugs can also be another alternative to overcome skin disorders that occur.

Other drugs or supplements that can be used are vitamin A, sulfone, diaminodiphenylsulfone, retinoids, etc. Consult your doctor for types and dosages of medications that can be consumed.

Are there other ways to treat skin problems?

Providing anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines for skin problems is not enough to maintain the health of the skin of lupus sufferers. Surely there are lifestyle changes or habits that need to be experienced.

One of them is protecting you from UV rays. UVA and UVB have the potential to trigger red butterfly rashes and rashes on the nose and cheeks. Therefore, apply a few tips to avoid UV rays:

Cover the body

Protect your body by wearing long pants, long sleeve shirts, wide hats and sunglasses that filter out UV rays when you are outdoors.

Find the medicine used

Anti-inflammatory, high blood pressure and some antibiotics can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, always consult with a doctor about the drugs consumed.

If the medicine you are taking increases sensitivity to sunlight, you should be more careful when working outdoors.

Use sunscreen every day

Sunscreen with SPF 30 is enough to protect you from UV rays. Always make sure the sunscreen used contains avobenzone, mexoryl, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Apply every 80 minutes when outdoors and before putting on makeup.