Environmental Factors

Lupus and the Air You Breathe

There is nothing quite like a breath of fresh air … for a multitude of reasons.  Polluted air can hold the potential for triggering the immune system in a negative way with every breath.  What can this mean for those living with lupus?  Read on to find out! Introduction Lupus, The Air and Your Lungs…

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Neuropsychiatric Lupus

Lupus may affect the central nervous system in possibly up to 40% of those living with SLE.  Often labelled by the rather scary sounding name, “neuropsychiatric lupus,” its symptoms can range from mild brain fog and headaches to more serious conditions like memory loss, seizures, strokes and others that can dramatically affect quality of life. …

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Lupus and Summer

Summertime … and the livin’ with lupus is… not easy. With the intense sunlight, heat, humidity, wind, pollen and even air pollution, summer can make life miserable for those living with SLE.  Summer conditions can trigger flares and possibly even the disease itself.  To learn how to best manage this time of year, read on. …

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Lupus and the Skin Microbiome

Your skin is amazing!  It is your first line of defense against foreign germs, yet simultaneously, an incredibly complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and more that make up your skin’s natural microbiome.  It is also where lupus can make its most obvious appearance – with rashes, sores, alopecia and even scaring.   So, how do…

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Lupus, Nicotine and Smoking

You probably know the statistics – that cigarettes and smoking are incredibly addictive and unhealthy, containing thousands of toxic chemicals, but did you know that it is even worse for those living with lupus? Read on to find out why! Introduction to Lupus, Nicotine, and Smoking How does quitting help? In Conclusion . Introduction to…

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