What Are the Treatments for Lupus Rash?

There are a few different ways to treat a lupus rash, including topical creams that are meant to reduce a person's symptoms as well as oral treatments that are used for the same purpose. Sometimes medicines for other ailments prove effective. For example, in some cases, doctors may recommend the use of malaria medications to help deal with this type of rash, and oral steroid medications are often used as well. Additionally, doctors sometimes provide injections of steroid medications in order to treat this condition.

In many cases, topical creams are used to treat a lupus rash. These creams typically contain a steroid, which is a type of medication used to treat inflammation and associated pain, as one of their main ingredients. The potency of this type of treatment typically varies based on a patient's unique condition. The more severe a person’s rash is, the more potent the topical medication his doctor is likely to prescribe.

Depending on the patient's needs, his doctor may recommend the use of oral prescription medication for the treatment of a lupus rash. For instance, some oral medications that are usually prescribed to treat malaria are often useful for treating this type of rash. In such a case, the drugs can help to prevent and reduce a patient's symptoms. It is important to note, however, that a person may have to take this type of medication for a significant number of months before it proves effective, and during that time, he may suffer troubling side effects from the drug, including problems related to his vision.

A doctor may also prescribe oral steroids as treatment for a lupus rash. These medications help to reduce the inflammation associated with the rash, both preventing and reducing symptoms. When a person must take them for a long period of time, however, they can lead to adverse health effects. For example, a person may gain a significant amount of weight or suffer an increase in his blood pressure while he is taking this type of medication — some reports even indicate that the long-term use of steroids can even increase a person's risk of developing diabetes. In some cases, doctors will administer steroids via injection rather than orally.

In addition to medical treatments for a lupus rash, there are measures a person can take to prevent and reduce symptoms as well. They include staying out of the sun and wearing an effective sunscreen. Additionally, avoiding extended exposure to fluorescent lights may help as well.