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Botox Injections and Lupus

posted in Miscellaneous Lupus Topics on June 6, 2023 by

Gavin Abson

Updated February 8, 2025

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.

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NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a nonprofit publisher. By purchasing JHUP books such as The Lupus Encyclopedia, you contribute to valuable projects like Project MUSE

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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. Used in small doses, it can temporarily relax muscles. When injected into the tiny muscles of the face, it can reduce 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

Botox injections have become increasingly popular, especially in the field of cosmetics. However, their safety and effectiveness for lupus patients has not been studied. 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.

Managing Risks and Making Informed Decisions

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

  1. Prior to receiving Botox injections, ask your rheumatologist if it is safe for you to do so.
  2. Ask the treating doctor about the potential risks associated with Botox injections.
  3. Ask about alternative treatments or procedures that may achieve similar results without the potential risks associated with Botox. 
  4. Each lupus patient may respond differently to Botox. What works for one person may not have the same effect on another.
  5. Close monitoring and regular follow-up appointments are crucial to assess any changes in your lupus symptoms and adjust your treatment, if needed.
  6. If you have lupus and are considering Botox, approach the decision with caution. While Botox injections have shown positive results for many individuals, their impact on lupus is still not fully understood.

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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.

If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help. 


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?

Please click on “Leave a Comment” above to comment.

Please support “The Lupus Encyclopedia” blog post page

Click on “SUPPORT” at the top of the page to learn how you can support “The Lupus Encyclopedia

Reviewed and edited by Donald Thomas, MD

For more in-depth information on Botox Injections and Lupus:

Read more in The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

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

If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help. 


What are your comments and opinions?

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

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. Thomas?

Please click on “Leave a Comment” above to comment.

Please support “The Lupus Encyclopedia” blog post page

Click on “SUPPORT” at the top of the page to learn how you can support “The Lupus Encyclopedia

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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