Strictly speaking, there is today no treatment that eradicates lupus “forever”, but in most cases, it is possible to treat lupus in such a way that the person can live a normal life, with a lupus that is “asleep” for prolonged periods. In some cases lupus can “disappear” spontaneously, in particular in the period following the menopause but not in all cases. However, no doctor can make a commitment to "cure" systemic lupus today because existing treatments, including modern biotherapies, are primarily aimed at controlling the disease. Today, no treatment exists that correct the initial trigger of lupus “once and forever”.

In fact, there are two "degrees" of healing that need to be distinguished:

The sustainable disappearance (over several years) of all symptoms when treatments have been discontinued (first stop corticosteroids, then hydroxychloroquine). This is quite common around the age of 50-55; that is, after menopause.

Earlier recoveries are also described, especially after immunosuppressive treatment. As a precaution, we speak of prolonged remission because antinuclear antibodies often remain in the blood. Their lasting negativity, constituting a "real cure”, is possible but much rarer.

In most cases, treatment will help keep the disease at a low activity level, eliminating most of its effects. But regular follow up, careful adherence to the continued treatment, and precautionary measures, such as avoiding sun exposure, will remain of utmost importance.