Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the autoimmune system. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different parts of the body, including your joints and skin. There are several kinds of lupus and no two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Symptoms vary and may develop slowly or appear suddenly. A licensed medical doctor can diagnose.
One type of lupus, known as discoid lupus erythematosus, affects only the skin. People with discoid lupus usually have a circular, scaly rash, which appears as raised, scaly patches on the face, neck and scalp.
Other common symptoms of lupus: are joint stiffness, swelling and pain; sun-related rash, which appears after exposure to sunlight; fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (called "Raynaud's phenomenon"); and a face rash, which doctors call a "malar rash", that is butterfly shaped and covers the bridge of the nose and spreads across the cheeks.
How Aloe Vera and Yucca Extracts Can Help
In 2003, MIT announced that the study of the eight essential sugars was one of the ten technologies that would change the world. These long-chain sugars (polysaccharides) are not actually sweet and are abundant in Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller); trials with oral supplementation suggest that they may play an important role in immune function as well as recovering from serious conditions.
A scientific review for the Department of Defense discussed the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities of Aloe Vera against a broad range of ailments, from rashes to joint pain to tuberculosis.
Topical application of Aloe Vera is thought to ease pain by inhibiting a pain-producing chemical called bradykinin. Studies also suggest that Aloe Vera has strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral agents, and that it speeds recovery by inhibiting the body's production of thromboxane, a chemical that delays healing.
Saponins such as contained in the both the organic Aloe Vera and Yucca extracts in InfiniteAloe® Skin Care are particularly helpful in pain relief. There are many reports that saponins elevate the body's production of cortisone, which can reduce soreness and swelling. (See References)
What Can You Do About Lupus
Your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment depending on the type of lupus you have. General advice to prevent lupus flares and help you to cope with them includes:
- Adhere to a healthy diet. Some practitioners recommend omega-3 and flaxseed, in addition to plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, but you should get recommendations specific to your case.
- Take time for yourself and get adequate rest. Ensure your friends and family respect and support your needs. Constant fatigue is one of the signs of Lupus.
- Sun exposure can trigger a flare, so wear protective clothing and sunscreen every time you go outside, even for a short time. Because fluorescent and halogen lights can give out ultraviolet rays and aggravate lupus, some people to wear sunscreen and protective clothing indoors or get special light bulbs to prevent flare ups.
- Many doctors recommend getting regular exercise, even though you may feel exhausted. Stress-busting practices such as yoga may improve your well being, help you recover from a flare and help fight depression and anxiety.
- Another recommended Stress-busting technique: set up a routine where to do something just for yourself without distraction, even if only for 30 minutes a day. This could include reading for pleasure, listening to music, watching a TV show that makes you laugh, or any hobby or creative outlet you enjoy.
- Gently massage affected skin or joints with InfiniteAloe® Skin Care.
- You may find it helpful to learn all you can about Lupus and to connect with others who are successfully dealing with the same condition.
Real Stories from lupus sufferers who have used InfiniteAloe® Skin Care:
"I'm Debbie and I was diagnosed with Lupus 4 years ago. Along with that I also have Reynaud's syndrome. My hands are very dry and swell up and they also get very cold and turn white. I've been using your skin cream for about a year and have found a tremendous difference in my hands. I really love the product and won't use anything else."
DW, Rosemead, California, USA
"I have Lupus, Arthritis (3 kinds) - Osteo, Inflammatory, Rheumatoid. I can feel a difference with it on my pain area. This is great!
P.S. I felt relief right away on the pain area on my thumb! It penetrated right away!"
JW, Illinois, USA
Try your InfiniteAloe® Skin Care today!
References:
David, RH, KY Rosenthal and LR Cesario, et al. Processed aloe vera administered topically inhibits inflammation. (1989) Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association. 79;395-397
Depression. Lupus Foundation of America. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutindividualized.aspx?articleid=92&zoneid=18. Accessed Mar 20, 2010.
Handout on health: Systemic lupus erythematosus. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/default.asp. Accessed Mar 20, 2010.
Ebadi, Manuchair S. Pharmacodynamic basis of herbal medicine. (2006) CRC Press; Second edition ISBN: 978-0849370502
Living with lupus. Lupus Foundation of America. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty.aspx?articleid=381&zoneid=76. Accessed Mar 20, 2010.
Lupus: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. http://www.womenshealth.gov/FAQ/lupus.cfm. Accessed Mar 24, 2010.
Omega-3 supplements: An introduction. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.htm. Accessed Aug. 15, 2009.
Schur PH, et al. Overview of the therapy and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Mar. 20, 2010.
Shelton, Ronald M. Aloe Vera: Its Chemical and Therapeutic Properties. (1991) International Journal of Dermatology, Volume 30, Issue 10, p.679 - 683
Somersall, Allan C. (Ed.) The Healing Power of 8 Sugars: An Amazing Breakthrough in Nutrition, Sciences and Medicine. Natural Wellness (2005) ISBN: 978-0973731705
Tassiulas LO, et al. Clinical Features and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Elsevier; 2008.
Tizard, IR, RH Carpenter, BH. McAnalley, and MC Kemp The biological activities of mannans and related complex carbohydrates. Molecular Biotherapy. 1989;1(6):290-6.
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