Remembering to follow these daily self-care tactics can help you better manage lupus symptoms and prevent flares.
Smart Steps to Prevent Lupus Flares
Healthy lifestyle choices are an important part of living with lupus. "This autoimmune disease can cause a lot of inflammation, most commonly in your skin and joints. But lupus can also affect other parts of the body," says Olivia Ghaw, MD, assistant professor of rheumatology at Mount Sinai Hospital Medical School in New York City. Learning how to manage the daily challenges of a disease that's both chronic and unpredictable is key to living well with lupus.
Reduce Stress to Reduce Lupus Flares
A sudden worsening of lupus symptoms is called a flare. "Stress can increase the chance of having a lupus flare and increase lupus pain when symptoms are active, so a low-stress lifestyle is best," Dr. Ghaw says. Sound impossible? The first step is to identify all sources of stress in your life. Asking for help when you have lupus symptoms that limit your functioning — like pain, stiffness, and fatigue — is one way to reduce stress. Taking time for yourself and finding activities that help you to relax and relieve stress are others.
