The Good, the Bad and the Sun - Sun Protection Advice for Lupus Warriors
Whether you are a long term Lupus Warrior or newly diagnosed, you would know that exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Rays, whether from sunlight or artificial lights, can make us photosensitive and can trigger flares. These flares can affect you in ways ranging from skin rashes to joint pain or even damage to our internal organs.
UV Rays consist of two components. UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) Rays.
Generally speaking, UVB rays are stronger in summer and between the hours of 10am and 4pm. UVA Rays are consistently strong at all times of the days. To ensure you have good protection form these rays, you must be protected all day. UV rays are still strong in cool, cloudy weather. It is thought that these UV rays trigger an abnormal immune response, resulting in the flares.
"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair…” – Susan Polis Schutz
Wear clothing that helps protect you for the UV Rays.
Put simply, the more you cover your skin with clothing, the less you absorb UV rays. Tight woven fabrics will absorb less UV rays than loose weaves. Long sleeves cover more skin than short sleeves. You get the picture!
You can purchase clothing which is specifically designed to provide a high standard of sun protection. There are a number of businesses that stock this clothing in New Zealand and online.
When choosing a hat, try to find one with a wind brim. This will protect your face and neck a lot better than a baseball cap. Some hats come with a neck cover attached. Or you could wear a light scarf around your neck to protect the skin for UV rays. Try to find one you really like, be it decorated with flowers or a funky looking cowboy hat. If you like the hat you will be more inclined to wear it!
Sunscreen
SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is recommended. If you use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. If you plan to swim, use waterproof sunscreen. Or reapply the sunscreen after exiting the water.
If you have sensitive skin, find a product that incorporates all your needs as well as being hypoallergenic.
Apply sunscreen 20 – 30 minutes before going outside. And reapply every 2-3 hours.
Store sunscreen in a cool place. Keeping it in the car or in high temperatures can alter the chemical composition of it, making it useless.
Check your medication
Some medications taken by Lupus Warriors can become harmful if combined with light. This is called phototoxicity.
Some of these medications include:
Certain antibiotics (including azithromycin)
NSAID’s (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Diuretics
Oral diabetes medications
Some cardiac medications.
Always check with your GP or Pharmacist to see if any of the medication you are taking could cause Phototoxicity. If so, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.
Artificial Lights
Don’t forget that artificial UV lights can cause the same flares for some Lupus Warriors. Artificial lights can include: fluorescent lighting, photocopiers and tanning beds. Avoid extended periods of exposure to artificial lighting and avoid tanning beds all together if you can.
If you have an outdoor entertainment area, and it is not already covered, invest in a good quality outdoor umbrella and stand. Choose shady areas to rest in. Try to park your car in a covered or shady area.
Try not to stay out in the sun for extended periods of time and especially during the hours of 10am – 4pm. I always tend to do my gardening and yard work in the early morning to avoid the UV rays and also the heat! If you must go out into the sun, or are exposed to artificial lights, wear protective clothing and use a suitable sunscreen at all times.
Have fun Warriors, but be sun smart!!!
