How is acute cutaneous lupus treated?

How is acute cutaneous lupus treated?

Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your healthcare provider may recommend medications. These medications don't cure lupus but can reduce symptoms and flare-ups.

Some research suggests that medications are helpful for about 60% of people with cutaneous lupus. Lupus rash treatment might include:

• Topical steroid ointments, such as fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar®) or hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid®), reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as dapsone (Aczone®) or low-dose methotrexate (Otrexup™, Rasuvo®) reduce pain and swelling.
• Antimalarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®), fight fatigue, reduce rashes and decrease joint pain.
• Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Protopic®, Prograf®) or pimecrolimus (Elidel®), decrease inflammation by suppressing your immune system.