This is Jowanna 💜 — A Muppet Moment and an Important Lupus Topic in Honor of Lupus Awareness Month

Hey 🥰

Today’s message begins with something light. If you’ve been here a while, you know how important connection is to me—it's been one of the biggest forms of support in my lupus journey.

For the past two years, I’ve been part of a co-working app and community called Groove. It’s given me space not just to focus, but to feel part of something bigger. With the platform coming to an end, many of us are feeling the loss. In the midst of it all, someone started turning fellow Groovers into Muppet versions of themselves—and it sparked some much-needed laughter. I joined in, and it reminded me how valuable joy is, especially when you're living with something as unpredictable as lupus.

That balance between levity and reality is exactly what Lupus Awareness Month has come to mean to me. Now onto the topic at hand: antifungals as a treatment.

What Are Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections are caused by fungi (like yeast or mold) that grow on or inside the body. While many are mild—like athlete’s foot or yeast infections—others can become serious, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

Why Are People With Lupus More Vulnerable?

Lupus and the medications used to treat it can make us more prone to these types of infections. Immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and even frequent antibiotic use can lower the body’s defenses, making it easier for fungal overgrowth to take hold.

Common Types of Fungal Infections in Lupus

✔️ Oral thrush

✔️ Yeast infections

✔️ Skin or nail infections

✔️ Fungal pneumonia (rare, but serious)

How Antifungals Help

Antifungal medications either kill fungi or prevent their growth. They come in several forms:

• Topical treatments (like creams or ointments)
• Oral medications (like fluconazole or itraconazole)
• IV antifungals (used for more serious systemic infections)

Side Effects to Know

As with most medications, antifungals come with possible side effects. Some people experience:

• Nausea or GI discomfort
• Skin sensitivity
• Liver enzyme changes (especially with oral antifungals)
• Potential drug interactions with other lupus medications

Anyone with lupus should report any signs of infection early and work with providers who understand how these treatments interact with existing care plans.

💜 Where We Are With Fundraising

We’ve raised $3,072.55 so far, and I am so grateful for the continued support. Whether you’ve donated, shared, or simply read and learned something new, you’re helping us change lives.

We’re continuing through May 30, and every dollar supports the Lupus Foundation of America’s efforts to educate, advocate, and care for those affected by this often misunderstood disease.

👉🏽 https://linke.to/2025lupuswalk

Thanks for letting me bring a little light and learning to your inbox today.

xoxo

Jowanna

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📧 Email: [email protected]