Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. It can affect your skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and other organs.
Lupus symptoms can vary from mild to severe. While there is no cure, proper treatment can help manage the condition and prevent complications.
If you have been diagnosed with lupus, you will need to find a specialist like rheumatologist to help you find the best lupus treatment option in Singapore.
On this page, we will explain the symptoms of lupus, effective treatment options, recovery possibilities, and risks of leaving lupus untreated. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms you believe could be due to lupus, please seek medical advice now as it can make a significant difference.
What Are the Signs of a Person Having Lupus?
Lupus symptoms are different for everyone. They may appear suddenly or develop over time. Some symptoms come and go, while others may persist.
One of the most common signs of a person having lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks, usually triggered by sunlight. This rash can also appear on other parts of the body.
Joint and muscle pain is another frequent symptom. It can be mild or severe and is often mistaken for arthritis. The pain may shift from one joint to another.
Some people also experience extreme fatigue which is quite common. It can be overwhelming to the point of making daily tasks difficult. Unlike regular tiredness, this exhaustion does not improve with rest. Other possible symptoms of lupus include:
- Mouth ulcers that appear frequently and take longer to heal.
- Unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
- Hair thinning or hair loss, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath, indicating lung or heart involvement.
- Kidney problems, often detected through swelling in the legs or foamy urine.
- Recurring fevers with no clear cause.
Lupus symptoms often mimic other conditions which explains why diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. This is why we insist on seeing a specialist if you suspect lupus for accurate assessment and treatment.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Lupus?
If you’re convinced that the symptoms you or your loved one is getting are due to lupus, it is natural to want only the best treatment. This explains why many people frequently ask; what is the most effective lupus treatment in Singapore.
Unfortunately, lupus has no cure. But that doesn’t mean the end of the road. You can still get treatment to manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage. The right treatment plan for lupus depends on the severity of the condition and which organs are affected.
When seeing a doctor for lupus treatment in Singapore, they can prescribe different medications to control the symptoms. These include:
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) which can help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Used for severe flare-ups.
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine) which can be used to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues.
- Anti-malarial drugs (e.g., hydroxychloroquine) which have been found to be quite effective for controlling joint pain, skin issues, and fatigue.
- Biologic therapies to target specific immune system proteins and reduce lupus activity.
For mild symptoms, you may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for lupus treatment in Singapore. These medications can help relieve joint pain and swelling.
But please note that not all lupus patients need the same medications. A good doctor will be able to adjust treatments based on the symptoms you’re getting and disease activity.
You may also need to adopt lifestyle changes like sun protection, stress management, and a healthy diet which can also help control lupus. As mentioned early, seeing a specialist remains crucial.
Resist any urge to self-medicate as this can worsen symptoms. Only a doctor can determine the safest and most effective lupus treatment plan for you.
Can You Fully Recover from Lupus?
Having read that far, you’re probably now itching to ask; can you fully recover from lupus? Now, here’s what you need to know;
Lupus is a lifelong condition, but its severity differs for each person. While some people experience frequent flare-ups, others go into remission—a phase where symptoms disappear or remain mild. That said, there is no cure for lupus.
However, provided that you can manage the disease well, you should be able to live a normal life. Factors that affect lupus outcomes include:
- Early diagnosis and treatment: The sooner treatment starts, the better the results.
- Medication adherence: Sticking to prescribed treatments helps control symptoms.
- Regular monitoring: Ongoing check-ups help detect and prevent complications.
A well-managed lupus condition means fewer flare-ups, less damage to organs, and a better quality of life.
What Happens If Lupus Goes Untreated?
With no cure available for lupus, many people wonder if they can avoid even the available treatments all together. Now, leaving lupus untreated isn’t a good idea.
Ignoring lupus symptoms can lead to life-threatening complications. Without treatment, your immune system will continue to attack the body and cause severe damage. Here are some of the possible complications of untreated lupus:
- Kidney damage (Lupus nephritis)
- Increased risk of heart disease, lung inflammation, and fluid buildup.
- Memory loss, confusion, seizures, and severe headaches.
- Higher risk of blood clots, anemia, and abnormal bleeding.
- Increased chances of miscarriage, preterm birth, and complications.
Lupus can be unpredictable. Some patients experience mild symptoms, while others develop severe organ damage. Without proper treatment, lupus may lead to disability or become fatal.
How to Choose the Right Doctor for Lupus Treatment in Singapore?
There are many doctors that can help with lupus treatment in Singapore. However, you will want to be keen on who you choose to be able to manage the condition effectively.
A good lupus doctor will provide the right treatments and monitor symptoms closely. Here are the factors to consider when selecting a clinic for lupus treatment in Singapore;
- Experience in treating autoimmune diseases.
- Access to multidisciplinary care (rheumatologists, nephrologists, and dermatologists).
- Availability of latest treatments and clinical trials.
- Convenient location and insurance coverage options.
In Closing
While lupus is a complex disease, it is manageable with the right treatment. Early diagnosis and professional care can prevent severe complications and improve quality of life.
A rheumatologist can design a treatment plan tailored to your needs for the best outcomes. While there is no cure, consistent treatment can reduce flare-ups and organ damage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing lupus symptoms, don’t ignore them. Book an appointment with a specialist to get a proper diagnosis and start treatment. If you’re in Singapore, get in touch with an experienced rheumatologist below;
Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre – Dr Annie Law | Senior Rheumatologist | Lupus Treatment Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #05-03 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
https://aarc.sg/dr-annie-law/
Phone: +65 8030 7862