Lupus Remission 101: Learn the Basics

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can come and go, leaving those living with the condition unsure when their next flare will hit or when they’ll go back into remission.

MORE: Nine tips to help you live better with lupus.

When a person enters a period of remission, the disease activity slows or stops altogether and the patient will not experience any new symptoms. Usually, the person will still need to take medications and is referred to as being “quiescent” which means they will be taking medications such as Plaquenil and will not experience symptoms such as arthritis, kidney disease, skin rashes, and blood count issues.

According to lupus.org, if a person experiences a long period of remission, doctors may suggest that they lower their dosage of immunosuppressants. Steroid use can often stop altogether if there is no disease activity. Sadly not everyone with lupus has periods of remission, and the length of remissions can vary greatly from person to person. Keeping as healthy as possible by eating well, exercising, getting enough rest and avoiding stress will help lupus patients stay in remission.

MORE: Nine important facts about lupus you may not know. 

Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.