Chhavi Hussein says she ‘cannot put my finger on what causes these flare ups’ after lupus diagnosis; some common triggers you must avoid

Actor Chhavi Hussein has opened up about her ongoing battle with lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a heartfelt social media post, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of her condition. 

In an Instagram post, she shared her frustration over the recurrent lupus rashes. “My lupus (SLE) rash has been coming back and even though I’m not one to be daunted by it, it does feel frustrating that I cannot put my finger on what causes these flare ups, which invariably leave a white, de-pigmented mark,” she says. 

Despite consulting numerous doctors and trying alternative treatments, Hussein revealed that she has found little relief and has had to return to using steroids, which have yet to show significant improvement.

 

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A post shared by Chhavi Mittal (@chhavihussein)

Dr Swetha Sridhar, assistant professor, Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital, says, “Lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, is notorious for its unpredictable flare-ups, where symptoms can suddenly worsen. Understanding the triggers and managing these episodes is crucial for improving quality of life for those living with lupus.” 

Common triggers for lupus (SLE) flare-ups

Lupus flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, Dr Sridhar mentions, and these triggers can vary greatly from person to person. Some common culprits include:

Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is a well-known trigger for lupus rashes and other symptoms. It’s believed that UV rays can damage skin cells, leading to inflammation and an overactive immune response. Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours. 

Infections: Infections, whether bacterial or viral, can stress the immune system, potentially causing it to go into overdrive and trigger a flare. Get yourself checked by a healthcare professional. 

Stress: Emotional or physical stress, such as major life events, illness, or surgery, can significantly impact the immune system and increase the likelihood of a flare. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.

Medications: Certain medications, including some antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and anti-seizure medications, can trigger lupus or cause flare-ups in susceptible individuals.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can sometimes trigger or worsen lupus symptoms. Make sure to incorporate certain lifestyle changes by eating healthy food, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep. 

Treatment options for lupus rashes

According to Dr Sridhar, managing lupus rashes often involves a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications.

*Topical Treatments: Corticosteroid creams or ointments are often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response in the skin. These can be effective for mild to moderate rashes, but long-term use can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, and other side effects.

*Oral Medications: For more severe or widespread rashes, oral medications like hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed. While these drugs can be effective in controlling inflammation and suppressing the immune system, long-term use can have potential side effects, including increased risk of infections, osteoporosis, cataracts, and high blood pressure.

*Phototherapy: Narrowband UVB phototherapy can be helpful for some individuals with skin involvement. However, it requires regular sessions and may not be suitable for everyone.

For more severe or widespread rashes, oral medications like hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed. (Source: Freepik)

Emerging treatments

Dr Sridhar tells indianexpress.com, “While traditional treatments like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants remain the mainstay of lupus management, research is ongoing to develop new therapies that target specific immune pathways and offer improved efficacy and fewer side effects.”

Biologics are targeted therapies that work by blocking specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process, she notes. “Some biologics, like belimumab, have shown promise in reducing lupus disease activity and improving quality of life.”

Drugs like JAK inhibitors target a family of enzymes called Janus kinases, which play a role in immune system signaling. JAK inhibitors have shown potential in treating lupus-related skin and joint manifestations.

While still in the experimental stage, stem cell therapy holds promise for resetting the immune system and promoting long-term remission in lupus, she adds. 

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