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Multi-faceted, tailored lupus treatment from a specialist center in Encinitas, CA, reduces flares

Lupus Treatment Center at Seaside Rheumatology & Wellness Center in Encinitas CA Area

Travelers from near and far love to soak up all that our sunny corner of San Diego County has to offer. However, one of the features that makes SoCal such a draw is also what worsens lupus. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun’s rays can not only age and damage our skin, but it represents one of the most prominent “triggers” for lupus sufferers. As a board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Peter Lloyd specializes in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune conditions, including lupus. As your lupus treatment center in Encinitas, CA, Dr. Lloyd’s office works with you to determine those factors that are responsible for flares. In addition to lifestyle changes and avoidance of identified triggers, Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center may prescribe medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, biologics, and immunosuppressants.

Flares

As a chronic condition, lupus can cause you to suddenly notice a measurable increase in symptoms that may have been in remission, or that may have improved over time. These symptoms may include persistent and extreme fatigue, painful swelling, headaches, low-grade fevers, chest pain, oral sores, rashes, sensitivity to cold, and hair loss. During flares or active disease, sometimes new symptoms can arise that are associated with inflammation of organs or systems, such as the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

Triggers

As mentioned, UV light is a known and leading trigger of flares that affect both the skin and major organs. It’s thought that sunlight (and light from artificial sources such as tanning lamps) is to blame for recurrent episodes of active disease. Light directly damages skin cells’ DNA, and these cells also release inflammatory cytokines or proteins. Furthermore, it is thought that ultraviolet light increases the levels of interferon-a signaling, which makes lupus sufferers more susceptible to fevers, fatigue, and leukopenia (low white cell count).

Appropriate sun protection and avoidance is a must. But it’s not the only trigger to address and avoid whenever possible:

  • Medications that increase photosensitivity, diuretics, antibiotics such as penicillin, and sun-sensitizing tetracycline
  • Heightened emotional stress brought on by life changes
  • Colds and viral infections
  • Surgeries, injuries, and other physical stressors on the body
CALL OUR OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION
New Patients : 760-509-2429 | Existing Patients : 760-452-2080

A great imitator, lupus can resemble a whole host of conditions, and its symptoms and the severity of symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Even the same patient can grapple with ups and downs to get the disease under control. In partnership with Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center, you can experience a dramatic improvement in the frequency and severity of your flare-ups with expert, personalized care. Call 760-509-2429 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lloyd at the Encinitas, CA office.

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Dr. Peter Lloyd

Dr. Peter Lloyd

Dr. Peter Lloyd is a board-certified rheumatologist with exceptional expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other rheumatologic diseases. He earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Chicago. He completed his rheumatology fellowship training at the prestigious David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. At his facility Seaside Rheumatology, he treats his patients using the latest technology and medical developments. Due to his impeccable academic records, modern approach to treatments and compassionate patient care, he is valued as one of the best rheumatologists in the Rheumatology field.

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