Living with Lupus

Quitting Smoking

Medical advancements have greatly enhanced the outlook for individuals with lupus, thanks to prescription medications. However, prolonged use of these medications can lead to enduring side effects, particularly affecting the heart and lungs. Given that individuals with lupus are already prone to these secondary conditions, it is crucial for them to steer clear of activities that may further compromise these systems. Therefore, it is highly advised for people with lupus to refrain from smoking, both for their overall well-being and to safeguard their health.


Avoiding Sun Exposure

Protecting Your Skin from the Sun’s Harmful Rays

Lupus is a condition that can affect the skin, causing rashes to develop on the face and various areas of the body. It has been observed that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun tends to worsen these rashes. To mitigate the effects of the sun, doctors highly recommend taking certain precautionary measures, such as using sunscreen and covering up exposed skin. It is important for individuals with lupus to avoid spending excessive, uninterrupted time in the sun as it can lead to feelings of illness or dizziness and potentially increase the frequency or severity of flare-ups.

2 of 5