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Botox Injections and Lupus

posted in Miscellaneous Lupus Topics on June 6, 2023 by

Gavin Abson

Updated December 29, 2023

If you have lupus and are considering Botox injections for cosmetic or medical purposes, it’s important to understand the potential implications. This article will explore the relationship between Botox injections and lupus and provide insights to help you make informed decisions.

Donald Thomas, MD author of The Lupus Encyclopedia for Gastrointestinal symptoms in lupus blog post

This blog on “Botox Injections and Lupus” was edited and contributed to by Donald Thomas, MD; author of “The Lupus Encyclopedia.” Parts of this blog post come from “The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers, edition 2

Understanding Botox Injections

Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in small doses, it can temporarily relax muscle activity, making it a popular treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Botox injections are also used to treat medical conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.

Botox Injections and Lupus

While Botox injections have become increasingly popular, particularly in the field of cosmetic procedures, their safety and effectiveness for lupus patients is unknown. To our knowledge, there are no clear associations between Botox injections and lupus flares.

However, there is evidence that Botox injections may help some people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a common problem in lupus patients. However, the successful use of Botox in Raynaud’s has not been proven and more studies are needed.

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

If you have lupus and are considering Botox, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, such as a rheumatologist or dermatologist, who is familiar with your medical history. They can evaluate the potential risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances and provide personalized recommendations.

Managing Risks and Making Informed Decisions

Here are key points to consider when contemplating Botox injections as a lupus patient:

  1. Medical Evaluation: Prior to receiving Botox injections, it is essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess your current lupus status and overall health. This evaluation may involve reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting any necessary laboratory tests.
  2. Communication: Openly communicate with your healthcare provider about your lupus symptoms, disease activity, and any recent flares. This information will help them make an informed decision about the suitability of Botox injections for your specific case.
  3. Potential Risks: Discuss the potential risks associated with Botox injections, including the likelihood of lupus flares, adverse reactions, or interactions with medications.
  4. Alternatives: Explore alternative treatments or procedures that may achieve similar results without the potential risks associated with Botox injections. Your healthcare provider can provide recommendations tailored to your needs and medical condition.
  5. Individual Response: It’s important to remember that each person with lupus may respond differently to Botox injections. What works for one individual may not have the same effect on another. Close monitoring and regular follow-up appointments are crucial to assess any changes in your lupus symptoms and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Need To Know

If you have lupus and are considering Botox, it is vital to approach the decision with caution. You should seek guidance from your healthcare provider. While Botox injections have shown positive results for many individuals, their impact on lupus patients is still not fully understood. By engaging in open communication with your healthcare provider and making informed decisions, you can better manage the potential risks and ensure the best possible outcome for your overall health and well-being.

For more in-depth information on skin problems in lupus in greater detail:

Read chapter 8 of The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia.

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What are your comments and opinions?

If you have had botox, what has your experience been? What do you recommend for other patients?

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. Thomas?

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Reviewed and edited by Donald Thomas, MD

2 Comments

  1. Hi. I have recently been diagnosed with Lupus and RA. I had Covid in 10/2020. 10/31 to be exact. It hit me hard and is still attempting to hold me down. I am in a state of constant battle. I have had Chronic migraines all my life and started Botox over 10yrs ago. I have wanted to get off the botox for various health reason but I can’t. I took Ashwagandha a couple weeks ago and I had to call 911. The flare was so intense I could barely open my eyes. I have changed my diet completely. It was always clean but cleaner now. I cold plunge daily and bought grounding sheets/mat. I try to exercise daily but that is so difficult. MY LIFE IS STRESSFUL. This is all so new to me. I’m in the Seattle area and need a good Naturopath Lupus doctor. I don’t want to treat with medications if I don’t have to. I don’t do well on Meds. I have Glaucoma and cataracts, hearing issues and now cholesterol problems. I need guidance and hope you can help. Thank you in advance for anything you can share. I guess my question was in regards to the Botox. I’m due to have another round coming up 10/15. Since the ED visit my body is still struggling and I am questioning the procedure BUT I know that If I don’t I will be in a world of hurt there too! UGH!

  2. Heavy metal and parasite cleanse… after I had Covid and couldn’t shake it for almost a month the dr finally prescribed me ivermectin pills he dosed it like I had a parasite infection, the first day the brain fog started to lift by the second day I could breath without my lungs burning ! Although I got Covid in Sept/oct about February I started losing my hair it was so bad then I started taking selenium and nascent iodine and it seemed like that’s what made my hair stop falling out . Get well soon !


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