Hi Everyone!
This is day 2 of May Awareness Month. I don't know if I will be able to share every day of the month. We will see how I do.
I want to talk about sun exposure for people with lupus. IT'S BAD!!
I love the sun, I dream of being in the sun. To feel that warmth kissing my skin. To raise my face towards the sun and feel the heat of it. I will admit I am not as good at covering up the way I should. Especially when I'm in the garden.
However, here are some of the things that can go wrong for lupus people in the sun.
Lupus, can cause photosensitivity, where the immune system reacts to the sun's rays. Symptoms of photosensitivity include but not limited to rashes, skin lesions, itching, burning, joint pain, weakness, fatigue, headaches that lead to migraines and pain in the eyes. Sun safety is crucial for people with lupus, as even brief exposure can trigger flares.
For me, when I step outside the sun actually hurts my eyes. I have to have sunglasses on even in the winter. I always wear sunscreen and especially when I'm in the garden I wear a light weight long sleeved shirt over a tank top to protect my skin. Oh and long pants. However, I get hot and the shirt usually comes off. My dermatologist, last week, scolded me for having a sunburn/tan on my arms and shoulders. I do get sun rashes and feel sick when I am out too long.
Most of us with lupus know our limits and I do come in to cool off and sooth my skin with a UV lotion.
Most of us with lupus know our limits and I do come in to cool off and sooth my skin with a UV lotion.
Before covid when masks became the norm I had some pretty nasty remarks made to me for wearing a mask. I never felt like explaining myself and most of the time would just walk away. However, my friends always stuck up for me and a few times things got pretty heated.
Even if you don't have lupus or other autoimmune we all need to cover up from the sun.
Until next time.
Nicole
9 comments:
You are doing your part in making people aware of the hazards of exposure to the sun, and not just Lupus sufferers. Thank you.
...I were sunglasses most days.
Well, I learned something I didn't know before -- thanks, Nicole.
Beautiful post
Nicole, thanks for visiting my blog! I'm glad you liked the frogs, I do too. This is a great effort at encouraging lupus awareness. As someone who has 5 arthritises including fibromyalgia, I can somewhat relate to the brain fog and sun issues. I do try to get 5-10 minutes a day on my face though, lol. And I take 2K iu's of D3 every day, it does help in multiple ways. Sending good thoughts your way, xoxo
I didn't know that about the sun and lupus. I am glad to know more about it. :)
When young I was very dumb in Australia and now have a sun-allergy. Always 50+ on all exposed skin and if sunny, a hat.
Isn´t it mean. We love the sun and he "hates" us... Glad we know what to do (if I forget I get itching "burn-bubbles).
I once had a colleague, 10 years older, she came from a holiday, ripped her shirt down to proudly show me how "tanned" she became from lying in the sun for hours without sunscreen.
Yes. tanned. And wrinkled!!! I am now 15 years older than she was back then. No wrinkles.
I hope to give you a laugh with this.
That's new to me. I hope you have some of those tops that are supposed to protect you from sun in the outdoors. This is so interesting.
It sad that mask became an political issue.
Post a Comment