Lupus Specialist

Rheumatology Center of New Jersey

Rheumatologists located in Princeton, Somerville, Flemington and Monroe, NJ

Autoimmune disease lupus can damage any part of your body, including skin, joints, and organs. To tackle the joint pain and fatigue lupus causes with state-of-the-art medical care, turn to the experienced team of rheumatologists at the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey. With locations in Monroe, Somerville, and Flemington, New Jersey, help is nearby. Call to book an appointment or use the online scheduling tool today.

Lupus Q & A

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack healthy body tissues mistakenly. The inflammation lupus causes can damage your joints, skin, organs, blood vessels, and even your brain. Women are ten times more likely to develop lupus than men.

What are the symptoms of lupus?

Lupus shares many of the same symptoms as other autoimmune diseases, such as:

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
Swelling around the eyes
Unexplained fever
Fatigue
A red butterfly-shaped facial rash, or other rashes
Skin lesions
Headaches
Confusion or memory loss
Pale, purple-colored fingers or toes
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dry eyes
Muscle pain
Swollen glands
Hair loss
Mouth ulcers
Sun sensitivity

What are lupus risk factors?

Lupus often happens as a result of genetics, but environmental factors may play a role. Lupus risk factors include:

Being a women
Age (between 15 and 35 years old)
Being Asian American, Hispanic, or African American
Taking certain medications
Having an infection

How is lupus diagnosed?

The team at the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey determine if you have lupus with one or more of the following diagnostic methods:

Taking your medical history
Completing a physical examination
Ordering blood tests and imaging tests (X-rays or electrocardiograms)
Taking skin or kidney biopsies

How is lupus treated?

While there isn’t a cure for lupus, several treatment options help ease symptoms and reduce organ damage associated with the disease. Your doctor at the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey may recommend one or more of the following:

Medication that treats inflammation and delays disease progression
Medicinal infusions or injections
Treatment of lupus-related health conditions (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or infection)

Things you can do at home to help control symptoms of lupus include:

Regular exercise
Eating a healthy diet
Avoiding tobacco products
Using sun protection
Getting plenty of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids

It’s important to see your doctor at the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey regularly to monitor your lupus, keep symptoms under control, and stay healthy.

To find relief from your lupus symptoms and live a fuller life, call the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey to book an appointment or schedule online.