Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease. Its treatment aims at easing the symptoms. Treatments include the following:
- Steroid creams for rashes
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Oral corticosteroids
- Targeted immune system agents
- Antimalarial drugs

Steroids, if used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, may increase the susceptibility to dangerous infections. Systemic lupus erythematosus can be organ-threatening at times. It may lead to complications of kidney failure, eye injury, brain damage, or scarring of the skin.

There is no permanent cure for systemic lupus erythematosus as of now. Treatment aims at relieving the symptoms and protecting the body organs by decreasing the inflammation and/or the level of the autoimmune activity.

Pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus must get the disease regularly monitored even if it has been stable. Many women, during pregnancy, will need treatment of active disease. Lupus care during pregnancy is usually shared between an obstetrician with experience of high-risk cases and a rheumatologist.

The type of medication and dosage used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus depends on factors such as the symptoms and the severity of the condition. People with lupus may experience various symptoms, and to varying degrees. This necessitates taking care of specific medical conditions while taking the medication.