As a Naturopathic medical doctor, I am always working with alternative therapies. I find that the standard treatments have side effects that are sometimes as bad as the Lupus or other diseases being treated. Traditional lupus and malar rash therapies vary widely. Some of them are mild; and, others are stronger and more aggressive. You probably know that most, if not all, standard medical therapies are only mildly successful at controlling symptoms and have no curative value at all.

Initially your primary care physician will refer you to a rheumatologist, specializing in diseases of the joints and muscles. Patients with Lupus find that they have significant joint pain-especially in the hips and arms. As the disease progresses, other specialists may be required because Lupus can attacks organs. In a percentage of lupus patients the skin can be affected. The malar rash or "butterfly rash" is a classic sign of systemic lupus-familiar to most people who have been exposed to friends or relatives who suffer from Lupus.

The common treatment plan consists of several obvious goals. Lupus being an inflammatory disease, reducing inflammation is important on the list of goals. Lupus patients often go into remission, but flare-ups can come on suddenly... another goal is to be prepared for sudden flareups. An overactive immune system is another aspect of Lupus. Drugs designed to suppress the immune system will be added to your arsenal of treatments. Patients will tell you that pain management is of utmost importance to a lupus sufferer. Pain and fatigue can be devastating. Allopathic medicine has an army of prescription pain medications. The problem is... the side effects are less than perfect. Because lupus is an autoimmune disorder, utmost attention is given to preserving joints and organs.

Lupus Foundation of America lists categories of medications a Lupus sufferer can expect to use as the condition worsens. Some examples are: Diuretics reduce fluid retention, high blood pressure meds, seizure disorder medications, antibiotics, and drugs for osteoporosis. Steroids play large part of the arsenal of prescription medications given to Lupus patients.

Women with Lupus who are pregnant are considered to be in a high-risk category. They should be closely monitored and work with their team of medical professionals to decide on the safest medical treatment. Always be up front and honest with your team of physicians. They can only help you if you are truthful about your situation and conditions. This is especially true if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.