Lupus and earwax

QI was diagnosed with lupus last summer. My skin was inflamed and I had a rash. I went to a dermatologist, who prescribed Plazueil and steroids. My body had a terrible reaction. I use Aveeno lotion, fragrance-free, but my face flares up and gets very hot and red, mostly at evening. Can you suggest a herbal remedy or cream? I am 67 years old.

A With lupus, the symptoms can vary widely between individuals — aching and swollen joints, persistent fever, severe fatigue, skin rashes, chest pain, iron-deficiency, hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight, pale white or blue fingers in colder weather, mouth and nose ulcers, and seizures.

It is an auto-immune disorder: the immune system is triggered to attack healthy tissue, along with unhealthy tissue. Lupus can occur at any age, and 90% of sufferers are women.