Give you a little red flower

This is the 3316th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a general term for a class of chronic, recurrent autoimmune diseases, which are common in women of childbearing age. The most characteristic symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus is the butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks, and the name "lupus" is because people used to think that the facial rash of the disease looked like a wolf bite. In addition to skin damage, systemic lupus erythematosus can also affect multiple organs and systems.

Epidemiology

The incidence of lupus erythematosus has nearly tripled in the last 40 years of the 20th century due to increased detection of mild and atypical forms of the disease.

Lupus erythematosus is more common in women, especially those aged 20 to 40.

General treatment

The treatment goals of lupus erythematosus are to improve symptoms, control the disease, ensure long-term survival, prevent organ damage, minimize disease activity and adverse drug reactions, improve the patient's quality of life and guide patients in disease management.

The treatment of lupus erythematosus should be individualized according to the patient's symptoms, disease severity and comorbidities. If the patient has multiple organ systems affected, multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment may be required.

At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to regular follow-up, and have a specialist doctor regularly monitor changes in the condition to achieve the best treatment effect and thus achieve the treatment goal.

Home Care

Ultraviolet rays may induce or aggravate the disease. Try to avoid sunlight and ultraviolet exposure (such as fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps), avoid using drugs and foods that cause photosensitivity reactions, and use hats, umbrellas and sunscreen when going out.

If the facial rash affects your beauty or social life, consider using concealer products and seek medical treatment if necessary.

Daily life management

diet

You should eat foods that are rich in calories, protein and vitamins and are easily digestible, such as seafood and poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc.

It is recommended to choose a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. No additional vitamin supplements are needed when eating a balanced diet.

Avoid eating spicy and greasy foods.

Avoid light-sensitive foods.

During active disease or fever, you may need to increase your calorie intake moderately according to your doctor's advice.

Other situations where dietary habits need to be adjusted: For example, if you have diabetes, you should strictly follow the doctor's diabetes instructions.

Dietary recommendations: If you have hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, or heart failure, you should reduce your salt and fat intake. If you have a lot of proteinuria, you should limit your protein intake. If you have osteoporosis, you can increase your calcium-rich diet, such as milk and soy products.

sports

Long-term inactivity can cause a decrease in muscle reserves, loss of bone minerals, decreased endurance, and fatigue, so appropriate exercise is recommended.

lifestyle

It is recommended to quit smoking, because smoking is related to disease activity, reduces the effectiveness of drug treatment, and increases the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Stress may induce or aggravate the disease. You should try to reduce stress as much as possible and seek help from others when necessary. Avoid fatigue and ensure adequate rest time.

Daily disease monitoring

If you have other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes at the same time, you should seek medical attention in time and strictly follow the doctor's advice for intervention and treatment. Monitor vitamin D levels regularly, and those with low levels should be supplemented in time. When using glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, the immune system function is reduced. You need to pay attention to hygiene measures such as gargling and be alert to infection. If you have serious psychological disorders, it is recommended to seek help from a mental health professional. Pay close attention to changes in symptoms. If symptoms worsen, reappear, or new symptoms occur, be sure to seek medical attention in time.

Author: Emergency Department, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital

Nurse Song Baoping