Environmental Factors

For many people living with lupus, the cold months can bring more than frosty mornings – they can trigger fatigue, joint pain, skin irritation, and even flares. But winter doesn’t have to be a season of discomfort. Discover why lupus symptoms can get worse in colder weather, and practical tips to stay warm, active, and…

There is nothing quite like a breath of fresh air … for a multitude of reasons.  Yet, 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…

At the heart of lupus is a genetic puzzle – a puzzle that has recently revealed a bit more of the complex causes and symptoms of SLE.  Understanding the relationship between lupus and genetics is crucial to finding answers about why it affects each person so differently and in the end perhaps the key to…

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. …

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. …

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…

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…

Both allergies and lupus are conditions driven by an overly reactive immune system, and both are seemingly on the increase.  Are they related and why?   Introduction What are the most common types of allergies? What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? What causes allergies? Testing for Allergies Treating and Preventing Allergic Reactions Allergies…