What is a Lupus flare?

Once your lupus is controlled, it tends to come in spurts called as flares. A flare would mean a state of increased lupus activity. It can manifest itself with any of the features of lupus such as skin lesions, fatigue, fever, joint pain/ swelling. The flare may restrict itself to the skin i.e new lesions may appear or the original lesions may worsen. This generally happens after a sun exposure. Fever, fatigue, joint pain/ swelling could mean a systemic flare & is more worrisome than a simple skin lesion flare.

How can one recognize a flare early?

Generally body tends to send some warning signs of a flare in advance. If you can sense these signals in time & act immediately, you can prevent the same. Preventing a flare would means controlling lupus & remaining in charge of your lupus in the long run. These warning signals include—

1. A new rash/ skin lesion
2. Worsening of previously existing skin lesions
3. Recent onset/ worsening fatigue
4. Joint pain/ swelling
5. Swelling of the feet
6. Low grade fever
7. Generalized body ache
8. Just that feeling that something is wrong- this could be the earliest signal.

How can one take care of a Lupus flare?

The best way to avoid flares is to avoid the lupus triggers. In case you experience one, contact your Rheumatologist at the earliest.

Created on: April 2007

Last updated on: April 2011