When you have lupus, protecting yourself from sun exposure is an essential part of managing your condition. Photosensitivity or abnormal light sensitivity is very complex and is a major symptom of lupus. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) loosely defines photosensitivity as “a skin rash as a result of unusual reaction to sunlight.” Beyond skin rashes that can develop, exposure to the sun can cause those living with lupus to experience increased disease activity with symptoms such as joint pains, weakness, fatigue and fever. Two-thirds of people with lupus have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, either from sunlight or from artificial inside light, such as fluorescent light — or both.
The risks of UV radiation
Wear protective clothing
Choose the right sunscreen
- has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more
- provides broad spectrum protection, blocking UVB and UVA rays
- contains physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- is hypoallergenic
Test the sunscreen on a patch of your skin to check for signs of sensitivity or allergic reactions. Store it in a cool place and throw it away after a year. Sunscreen can become less effective over time and when it’s exposed to heat.
Avoid common sunscreen mistakes
Don’t be fooled by fog or clouds: UV rays can still be strong in cool and cloudy weather.
Stay in the shade
Ask your doctor about drugs
Phototoxicity is a dangerous reaction that can happen when light and certain chemicals combine. For example, phototoxic reactions can occur when your skin is exposed to sunlight after you take certain medications. These medications include certain:
- antibiotics, such as azithromycin
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac
- diuretics
- oral diabetes drugs
- cardiac medications
Talk to your doctor to learn if any medications you’re taking might cause problems.
Don’t forget about artificial light
Be Sun Smart With Lupus
If you are photosensitive, the best rule is to avoid midday and tropical sun entirely. Unfortunately, that’s not always the most practical advice, especially if your job or family situation requires that you spend time outside or near UV rays.
People with lupus should not stay in the sun for extended periods and should make every effort to avoid UV rays outside, which are at their peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t be fooled by an overcast day, because clouds don’t filter out all of the sun’s UV rays. Keep track of the time you spend in the sun. It can take anywhere from hours to days before skin abnormalities occur from sun exposure.
#LupusInColor
People with Lupus need to be very careful about sunlight, and all the tips are really great.
There can also be an issue with vitamin D. Vitamin D production in the body is weakened without sun exposure, and if we are covering up and wearing sunscreen it can be an issue.
Also many of us who have Lupus have had steroids and these really interfere with bone density, and the double effect of sun-deprivation plus steroids can wreak havoc with bone density, particularly for people who due to youth are still developing their bone density.
Its particularly bad for those of us over here in the Northern Hemisphere where we don’t get enough sunlight for most of the year!
With warm wishes…
LikeLike