The 10 Best Mobile Apps for Managing Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your natural defense system attacks healthy tissues within your body. This is usually felt in flares, when symptoms worsen. Fever, fatigue, and joint pain are all common signs of a lupus flare.

These flares may be triggered by certain factors such as sunlight, infections, and medications. Having a mobile app will help you track your symptoms to avoid flares as much as possible. Some of these apps will also help you keep track of your medical records and appointments.

Lupus Tracker Pro allows you to organize your symptoms in a grid and check them daily. This way, your next visit to the doctor will be more efficient. You'll be able to show them exactly how you’ve been feeling lately.

Developed by doctors, The Lupus Companion offers an easy-to-use interface that helps you monitor symptoms and appointments. It also includes a periodic questionnaire to check the general activity of your disease.

LupusMinder records your symptoms and allows you to take detailed notes and photos that you can share with your doctor. You can also use it to monitor your medications through reminders and a side effect tracker.

VALUE is a tool that allows you to track your symptoms through self-assessments, leading to more consistent medical reports. This data is also sent to clinical studies to develop future therapies for lupus.

Lupie Diary is a free app that aims to help you keep track of all the medications you’re taking through reminders. Plus, it provides information about lupus and allows you to monitor your symptoms and prescriptions.

My Lupus Log aims to help you monitor your symptoms over time. However, this one also comes with journal entries and a dictionary of medical terms so you can write down as many details as possible.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s SunWise is a valuable tool for those who flare up because of exposure to intense sunlight. By inserting a zip code in the app, you’ll be able to know if you need to take extra safety measures such as using UV-blocking clothing.

While not a lupus-specific app, MANGO remains one of the best options for people looking to keep track of their medications. It even offers rewards, such as gift cards, if you take your medications properly and on time.

Image InBox lets you store an electronic copy of your radiology exams for easy access and sharing. Keeping your ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans on your phone prevents you from carrying dozens of thumb drives and CDs to each appointment.

While this app doesn’t manage lupus directly, it allows you to take on healthy mental habits. Headspace will help you approach topics such as meditation, a valuable tool for staying calm even during flares.

None of these apps will work as a replacement for frequent visits to your doctor. However, most of them will greatly help in enhancing these appointments by allowing you to keep track of your latest symptoms. Other apps will also remind you of the medications you need to take.

A few specific apps, such as Headspace and Imagine InBox, are not specifically targeted for lupus but can help you manage your disease and stay calm when you're experiencing a flair.