Since the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, it is impossible to prevent it.

 Protect yourself from the sun. Ultraviolet rays can trigger a flare-up or make any symptoms that are present worse. Exposure to the sun causes the death of many skin cells, which “release” their contents, thus triggering a strong reaction of the immune system. Wear skin-covering clothing, a hat, and sunglasses when you are outdoors. On skin exposed to direct sunlight, use sunscreen. It goes without saying that it is best to avoid the sun when it is at its zenith, that is to say from 11 a.m. to 16 p.m.

Consult your doctor before taking any medication. Do not take over-the-counter medicine without your doctor’s advice. Certain medications can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun. This is also the case with prescription drugs, in particular certain antibiotics. Also avoid products (including natural products) that stimulate the immune system.

For many years, doctors believed that the contraceptive pill increased the number of relapses in women with lupus. However, several recent studies show that most of them can benefit from oral contraception without increased risk.²³. Pills that contain low doses of estrogen or only progesterone are often preferred because estrogen are likely to increase disease activity. As for hormone therapy for menopause, it may increase the risk of flare-ups and should be used very carefully in people with lupus. Talk to your doctor.

Practice a relaxation technique. Considering that stress can amplify the symptoms of lupus, one understands the importance of good stress management as a preventive measure. Studies have shown the usefulness of stress management programs in decreasing pain and improving the psychological state of patients with lupus.¹⁹ The trick is to choose a technique that you like. You can consult, among others, the Meditation, Relaxation response, Autogenic training and Biofeedback sheets.

Make sure you sleep well. The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends getting at least 8-10 hours’ nights of sleep to help minimize pain caused by lupus. Indeed, the first weapon against joint pain is simply rest. There are several techniques to help relax and promote sleep (breathing exercises, mental relaxation techniques, visualization, meditation, etc.).

Eat a balanced diet. Some people have noticed that a poor diet contributes to the onset of flare-ups. See also the section Other approaches.

Quit smoking. While it is true that smoking is unhealthy, people with lupus have additional reasons to quit their cigarettes. First, disease activity is greater in smokers than in non-smokers.²⁰ Then, the tabagisme increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke. However, people with lupus are already particularly susceptible to cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that the cardiovascular risk is 50 times higher in young women with lupus than in the rest of the population.²¹. We therefore put all the odds on our side by not smoking, the link between smoking and cardiovascular disorders being well demonstrated.

Exercise regularly. In addition to improving well-being, regular exercise prevents flare-ups. Apart from painful outbreaks, vary the forms of exercise to get the maximum benefit from them: stretching to relieve stiffness in the joints; weights and dumbbells to maintain muscle strength; and endurance sport (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) to restore energy and improve cardiovascular health. See our Physical Fitness file.

Protect your joints. Read the Arthritis Factsheet (Overview) for preventative pain tips that are equally suitable for people with lupus.

Seek social support. Talk to loved ones or people who also live with lupus about what you are going through (see Support Groups). This often makes it possible to adopt a better attitude towards the disease and to keep informed of new treatments. The social fabric can be of great help when it comes to replenishing your energy reserves and improving your well-being.

Plan your pregnancy well. Women with lupus should choose the time of their pregnancy carefully (ideally after a 6-month remission period) and obtain close medical supervision during it. Lupus increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. It is also known that symptoms tend to reappear in pregnant women. Discuss your pregnancy plans with your doctor. 

Measure your blood pressure every 3 months. Sometimes kidney problems are manifested by a rise in blood pressure. Analyzes of blood and D’urine Regular tests will also help to ensure that the kidneys are functioning properly or to detect kidney damage at an early stage.

In addition, promptly consult your doctor in the event of fever. Medicines used to treat lupus may indeed increase the risk of infection.