MyLupusTeam

Yes, lupus absolutely can cause sores in the nose and mouth — and with Sjögren's also in the picture, it's not surprising things feel worse right now. You're dealing with quite a combination, so let's break it down.

Between 8% and 45% of people with lupus experience mouth and nose sores. They often appear during flares and Show Full Answer

Yes, lupus absolutely can cause sores in the nose and mouth — and with Sjögren's also in the picture, it's not surprising things feel worse right now. You're dealing with quite a combination, so let's break it down.

Between 8% and 45% of people with lupus experience mouth and nose sores. They often appear during flares and can feel like burning, tingling, or irritation — sometimes painless, sometimes very painful. Several things could be contributing to what you're experiencing:

- Lupus itself can directly cause ulcers in the mouth, nose, and sinuses, especially during flares
- Sjögren's causes dry mouth, which can lead to more mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and increased tooth decay
- Lupus medications like methotrexate, NSAIDs, or immunosuppressants can also trigger or worsen mouth sores
- Nasal sores typically develop on the septum (the wall between nostrils) and can be harder to see and treat The gum inflammation and increased tooth decay are very likely linked to Sjögren's reducing saliva, which normally protects teeth. This is really worth flagging with both your rheumatologist and dentist.

For the nostril and sinus sores, your doctor may recommend a steroid treatment and will want to rule out infection, since lupus can make infections harder to fight off. The best overall approach includes:

- Keeping lupus well-controlled through your prescribed treatment plan
- Maintaining good oral hygiene — studies show poor oral hygiene increases the risk of sores
- Eating a balanced diet and staying as active as your energy allows
- Asking about a biopsy or blood tests if sores persist, to check for vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies that can contribute

Please do bring all of this up with your rheumatologist soon — the combination of worsening symptoms across multiple areas really deserves a thorough review. 💙

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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