Treatment for Cutaneous and Mild SLE
Creams. Steroid creams are often used for skin lesions. However, many patients with discoid lupus do not respond to steroids, particularly if they have eruptions that are caused by sun sensitivity. A cream derived from vitamin A (Tegison) has been beneficial for some lesions that do not clear up with steroid creams.
Sun Protection. Sun protection is essential. Patients should always use sunblock creams (not just sunscreens) and always wear hats and clothing made of tightly woven fabrics.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
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Common NSAIDs. NSAIDs block prostaglandins, the substances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation and pain. There are dozens of NSAIDs.
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, Nuprin, Rufen), naproxen (Aleve), ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT).
- Prescription NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox), diclofenac (Voltaren), tolmetin (Tolectin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), dexibuprofen (Seractil).
Regular, long-term use of NSAIDs has been associated ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. [See Box: NSAID-induced Ulcers and Gastrointestinal bleeding.]
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| An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or malignant condition. Patients can take certain medicines to suppress the acid in the stomach causing the the erosion of the stomach lining. Endoscopic therapy can be used to stop bleeding from the ulcer. |
NSAIDs may also cause increases in blood pressure. The highest risks have been observed with piroxicam (Feldene), naproxen (Aleve), and indomethacin (Indocin). People with hypertension, severe vascular disease, kidney, or liver problems and those taking diuretics must be closely monitored if they need to take NSAIDs.
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