Question
I have lupus/high blood pressure I’m on blood pressure medicine but my pressure is 140/90 or higher everyday. Also my lupus is flare up now I have a bad skin rash on my face how can I make it go away.
Answer
There are a variety of therapies for lupus skin flares including hydroxychloroquine, dapsone, topical therapies and prednisone. See your rheumatologist. Your blood pressure needs better control. Blood pressure can be hard to control in lupus because of use of non-steroidal antiinflammatories or prednisone which can elevate blood pressure. Sometimes elevated blood pressure can mean that your kidneys are affected by lupus. This needs to be carefully evaluated.
Cardiovascular problems are now recognized as a significant problem in lupus patients and careful attention to blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors are important.
