Infections And Lupus
December 2023 revision:
A 2023 study showed that abatacept does not interfere with how well COVID vaccines
…Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
November 27, 2020
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares?
Bacteria in urine was found in a study to possibly increase flares in lupus patients. If this is true, then decreasing bacteria in the urine could possibly help …
Lupus and Hepatitis C: Lupus Patients Should be Tested for Hepatitis C
September 12, 2020
The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus … read on!
Hepatitis C is a virus that can attack the liver (called hepatitis) as well as numerous other organs of the body.
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!
September 7, 2020
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other Autoimmune Disease Patients, and … well… Everyone!
…FOLLOW US
Dr. Don Thomas, MD
I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.
Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.
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Lupus Joint and Muscle Pain
Close to 90% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will have joint and muscle pain. Understanding lupus
COVID Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients and What Drugs to Stop [December 2023 UPDATE]
The American College of Rheumatology Provides Guidance for stopping drugs to enhance the COVID vaccine for immunocompromised patients
Bottom Line on Diabetes vs Lupus and Stroke & Heart Attacks
Lupus and Stroke and Heart Attacks: A bigger problem than we thought! We have known for a long
Lupus and the Respiratory System
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Arthritis – “it’s a Pain in the App” [Coping with lupus]
Guest post: One method of coping with the struggles of lupus Living and coping with the challenges of
Childhood Trauma, PTSD, Racism, Stress, and Lupus
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Benlysta for pediatric lupus nephritis: FDA-approved
Benlysta for children with lupus kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis): FDA-approved on July 26, 2022 This is a
The Best Soap for Lupus Patients (October 2024 Update)
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the skin, causing sensitivity and increased vulnerability to irritants. Finding the
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. In
Treatment of Lupus: Best Practices and Guidelines
The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into
Covid-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients: Please get your vaccine
Should We be Recommending the COVID-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients?: Yes! What I tell my systemic lupus patients
Improve Your Life: A Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Test
Revolutionary New Lab Test: Predicts if a lupus patient will have a systemic lupus erythematosus flare! A systemic
Lupus Mottled Skin and the Symptoms (Updated August 2024)
Among the skin manifestations commonly associated with lupus is “mottled skin.” Livedo reticularis is the primary example. This
Methotrexate for lupus: help it work better and prevent side effects [January 2025]
Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been
Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic
Patients ask about Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic: Sea moss was never on my radar until the
Lupus and Vegetarian Diet: What is the best medical evidence?
Ask Dr. T Question about lupus diet and vegetarians Lupus and Vegetarian Diet? Eating a Vegetarian Diet can
Lupus and Sleep: Strategies to Sleep Better!
Lupus and Sleep Problems are Common: Strategies to improve your sleep (October 2024 Update) Tips on better sleep
Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25 to 30% of
Early Signs of Lupus in Females
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, predominantly impacts women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Lupus can cause blood clots in many different ways. In addition, lupus patients are at higher risk of
Lupus and Hepatitis B Vaccine: Endorsed in the CDC guidelines
Lupus and Hepatitis B Addendum: The recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines changed in 2022. The CDC recommended that
6 Supplements For Lupus That Worsen Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. This post discusses a 2024 research study
Research Results in Dealing with Autoimmune Disease Fatigue Now
The causes of fatigue and dealing with autoimmune disease fatigue. Tips on how to improve energy with
The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index Test: A new lupus lab test
The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index test The Lupus Foundation of America, in its continuous quest to advocate
Symptoms of Lupus in Men
While lupus is more common in women, 10% of lupus patients are men. Understanding the symptoms of lupus
Lupus and The Eyes
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems,
Melatonin For Lupus May be Good Per the Best Medical Evidence [NEW!]
Melatonin For Lupus: What does the Research Show? (Updated August 2021) Why do people
Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death
Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on
Lupus and Taking Probiotics/Prebiotics: The truth [Updated JUL ’23]
Lupus and taking probiotics: Should you take probiotics if you have lupus, and what are the best probiotics
Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Disease? Research suggests “YES!”
Research Article: Passive transfer of fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice Goebel A, Krock E, Gentry C, Israel
Rheumatologists: What if hydroxychloroquine eye tests show retinopathy [FEB 2023 Update]
Do not automatically stop hydroxychloroquine if your eye doctor tells you your patient has HCQ-retinopathy! Heed my practical
Lupus and Vitamin D Advice: Can be lowest in women of color
Lupus and vitamin D in Women of Color. Why and what to do- “Ask Dr. T!” question of
Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
Increase Energy with Lupus
Living with lupus often comes with the challenge of persistent fatigue, a common symptom of the disease. This
Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone Helpful for Lupus [Suggests NIH study]
Lupus Research Article Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus This
Anticardiolipin Antibodies and Lupus
The immune system of many lupus patients produce anticardiolipin antibodies. These antibodies, known for their connection to various
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other
How does Hydroxychloroquine work for Lupus (SLE)? [JUN 2024 Update]
December 2022 update: Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying agent for lupus (along with Benlysta). Antimalarial drugs can treat autoimmune
3 Proven Ways to Stop Lupus Chronic Kidney Disease Progression [January 2025]
Reducing the worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in lupus and other autoimmune diseases is possible. I have
Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]
The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus Click
Now Research Shows: Lupus tendinitis, common cause of lupus pain
Jaccoud’s arthropathy due to lupus tendinitis (lupus tendonitis) and lupus tenosynovitis What is lupus tendinitis (also spelled lupus
Good Advice on Lupus and Bactrim [per sulfa antibiotic research]
Lupus and Bactrim: List sulfa antibiotics (like Bactrim) in your allergy list if you have lupus Lupus patients
Lupus and Thyroid Medications
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system can attack the thyroid gland as well as the
Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine to Prevent Lupus and Other Diseases?
An Epstein Barr virus (EBV) vaccine to prevent lupus? EBV infection may be a common trigger, causing the
Spotlight on a Good Poem by Devoted Lupus Warrior
Lupus by Lupus Warrior and Lupus Fighter Shanelle Gabrielle “I still have a purpose … A reason to
Anti-inflammatory Diet for Autoimmune Disease: New Research (AI Protocol)
The Autoimmune Protocol (AI protocol) is another term for the anti-inflammatory diet. The chart below was shown to
How to collect a urine sample properly for testing (UPDATED January 2025)
It is essential for lupus patients to regularly collect an accurate clean catch urine sample
Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [January 2025]
Update March 2024 Saphnelo is the only FDA-approved drug for SLE to have a randomized, placebo-controlled long-term extension
Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs
What is the anti-SSA test? What the lab technician sees under the microscope when testing a patient for