one of several autoantibodies that can cause *antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). Despite the name, the antibody behaves as a coagulant, increasing the risk of thrombosis. It can be found in 50% of patients with APS.
Symptoms (SLE): Loss of appetite, fever. Weight loss, weakness. Thickened scaly red patches on face (butterfly rash). May invade scalp and cause loss of hair. Sunlight worsens. Anaemia. Joint pains. Enlarged spleen. Heart disorders. Kidney weakness, with protein in the urine. Symptoms worse on exposure to sunlight. Low white blood cell count. Many patients may also present with Raynaud’s phenomenon while some women with silicone breast implants may develop lupus.
Treatment. Anti-virals. Alteratives. Anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants. Alternatives. Teas: Lime flowers, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Aloe Vera, Boneset.
Decoctions: Burdock. Queen’s Delight. Helonias.
Tablets/capsules. Echinacea. Blue Flag root. Wild Yam. Ginkgo.
Formula. Dandelion 1; Black Haw 1; Wild Yam half; Poke root half. Dose: Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.
Topical. Sunlight barrier creams: Aloe Vera, Comfrey. Horsetail poultice. Garlic ointment. Castor oil packs.
Diet. See: DIET – SKIN DISORDERS.
Supplements. Calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Selenium.
Note: The disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or ME. Lupus antibodies have been linked with premature heart disease in women and transient strokes. ... lupus erythematosus
Treatment. Because of plastic surgery deformities are now seldom seen, yet herbalism may still have a case in the absence of conventional drugs.
Teas. Elecampane. Gotu Kola.
Red Clover compound.
Arthur Barker. Liquid Extract Echinacea 1oz; Liquid Extract Queen’s Delight half an ounce; Tincture Goldenseal 30 drops. Syr Senna 2oz. Distilled, or pure spring water to 8oz. Dose: 1 dessertspoon after meals.
Topical. Marshmallow and Slippery Elm poultices or ointment. Oil of Mullein. Aloe Vera. Castor oil packs. ... lupus vulgaris
Lupus vulgaris is a form of TUBERCULOSIS of the skin. It typically begins in childhood and may spread slowly for decades if untreated. The face and neck are the usual sites. In untreated disease, large, well-demarcated areas may be affected with redness, scaling and thickening. If the affected skin is blanched by pressure, yellow-brown foci may be observed – the so-called apple-jelly nodules. The disease causes extensive scarring as it spreads and may destroy cartilage in its path – for example, on the nose or ear – causing gross deformity. The disease was common in the UK up to 50 years ago, but is now rare. It is treated with a combination of tuberculostatic drugs.
Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease which can affect skin or internal organs.
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) In this disease, only the skin is affected. Sharply de?ned red, scaly and eventually atrophic patches appear on the face, especially on the nose and cheeks. ALOPECIA with scarring is seen if the scalp is affected. The condition is aggravated by sunlight. Topical CORTICOSTEROIDS are helpful.... lupus
The drugs are much more e?ective in the treatment and prevention of venous clotting – for example, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), see under VEINS, DISEASES OF – than in preventing thrombosis formation in arteries with their fast-?owing blood in which thrombi contain little ?brin (against which the anticoagulants work) and many PLATELETS.
The main anticoagulants now in use are the natural agent HEPARIN (a quick-acting variety and a low-molecular-weight long-acting type); synthetic oral anticoagulants such as WARFARIN and the less-often-used acenocoumarol and PHENINDIONE; and antiplatelet compounds such as ASPIRIN, clopidogrel dipyridamole and ticlopidines. Fondaparinux is an extract of heparin which can be given once daily by injection; ximelagatran, an inhibitor of thrombin, is being trialled as the ?rst new oral anticoagulant since heparin.
Patients taking anticoagulants need careful medical monitoring and they should carry an Anticoagulant Card with instructions about the use of whatever drug they may be receiving – essential information should the individual require treatment for other medical conditions as well as for thrombosis.... anticoagulants
Symptoms: Joint pains with feverishness, loss of weight, anaemia and red raised patches of skin on nose and face (butterfly rash). Swelling of the joints resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Chest and kidney disease possible. Personality changes with depression followed by mania and possible convulsions.
Treatment. Standard orthodox treatments: aspirin, steroids. Alternatives: Echinacea (rash), Valerian (mental confusion), Lobelia (chest pains), Parsley Piert (kidney function).
Tablets/capsules. Echinacea. Poke root. Dandelion. Valerian. Wild Yam. Prickly Ash bark.
Powders. Echinacea 2; Dandelion 1; Wild Yam half; Poke root quarter; Devil’s Claw half; Fennel half. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily. In water or cup of Fenugreek tea. Tinctures. Dandelion 4; Valerian 1; Prickly Ash half; Poke root half; Peppermint quarter. Mix. Dose: 1 teaspoon thrice daily, in water or cup Fenugreek tea.
Tincture. Queen’s Delight BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose 1-4ml (15-60 drops).
Topical. Plantain Salvo. Castor oil. Oil Cajeput or Sassafras. Comfrey or Chickweed cream.
Diet. Young girls may require diet for anaemia.
Supplementation. Daily. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D. Dolomite (1500mg). Calcium Pantothenate (500mg). Iron: Men (10mg), women (18mg). ... arthritis, lupus
Excessive doses of anticoagulant drugs increase the risk of unwanted bleeding, and regular monitoring is needed.... anticoagulant drugs
Health Encyclopedia