Exercise and Lupus

Many people with lupus stop doing exercise once they are diagnosed or they get out of a run once the infection gets worse. People attribute this to tiresome and stiffness accompanied with lupus.

A Question and Answer:

Q. I used to enjoy going to the gym or going for a run in Central Park. But since being diagnosed with lupus, I’ve been exhausted and unmotivated to exercise. When I wake up with joint pain and stiffness in the morning, I can’t imagine lacing up my sneakers to go for a morning jog. Should I force myself to exercise, or should I listen to my body and sit on the couch?

A: We all know that the benefits to exercise outweigh the drawbacks. Of course, it’s important to first get your doctor’s permission before starting any type of exercise regimen. The most difficult part of exercising is getting the motivation to start, lupus rash and fighting through the initial pain. Everyone can exercise as long as they commit to it, and know their limitations.

Find the time of day that is best for you—if you hurt in the morning, maybe the afternoon is your ideal time. Also, it’s OK to start out slow. Take a walk around the block, and each day increase the speed and distance that you go. Regularly get off one or two bus or subway stops early, and walk the extra few blocks. Before you know it, you will notice an increase in endurance along with other positive benefits! If you have trouble walking, look into other activities like swimming or biking. Remember, exercise should be fun. If it isn’t, try a different kind—dancing, gardening, walking a friend’s dog. As long as you’re moving, it’s good for you!

If you have ever wondered: Is It Okay to Scratch?

Absolutely No. Scratching can make the skin rash worse. If you can’t resist itching, at least trim your nails to avoid damaging your skin and spreading infection. We also will provide other good ideas for you including Dust Mite Rash

-         Avoiding hot water

-         Moisturizing

-         Taking off your grandma’s wool sweater

What does nappy rash look like?

Baby Nappy Rash

What does nappy rash look like?

If your baby has nappy rash, you'll know it. Her skin will be red and inflamed where it's been in close contact with her nappy. Unfortunately, the rash may affect her genitals, the outer skin on the folds of her thighs, and her bottom. The affected areas can appear either dry or moist. It may sometimes look shiny or pimply. 

Can Teething Cause a Rash?

 

If nappy rash isn't treated, it can develop into something more serious, including: 

·         A yeast infection, such as thrush or candida. A yeast infection is more common in babies taking antibiotics because the antibiotics kill the good bacteria that normally keep yeast in check. Thrush begins as tiny red spots that multiply and mass into a solid red blotch.

·         A bacterial infection. Your baby may have a fever, and the infection usually causes oozing yellow patches or pus-filled pimples.

How can I tell if the rash is caused by a virus?

A viral rash is typically red and when it is pushed, it can turn white and make it seem that the rash is disappearing. Sometimes rashes can feel raised or the rash can appear as one large red area. The viral illnesses with rashes that are typical of the illness itself include chicken pox and measles. But for many other viral illnesses, the rash can be very non-specific. 

Because you note the association of the rash with illness and not other times, it is likely due to the illness itself. However, in some kids with underlying atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, these can get worse during illnesses.

There are two common viral illnesses that we do not have immunization for: 

• Fifth disease or slapped cheek disease. In this case the rash looks as if the cheeks were slapped. Typically there is fever as well. The rash can then spread to other parts of the body.
• Roseola. In this case there is usually a high fever for a few days without any other obvious symptoms. The fever then stops and while your child seems as if they are returning to their normal state of health, there is a rash that looks like red spots. It can start on the upper part of the body and then spread