Lupus and Light Sensitivity

Many people that suffer with Lupus may find that they are also photo and UV light sensitive. Being photosensitive means that you have an unusually strong reaction to sunlight. This is known as systemic lupus erythematosus that can affect any bodily organ or cutaneous lupus that is limited manly to the skin. Not all lupus patients experience light sensitivity. Studies show that of those who do they experience a 40% to 70% increase in symptoms after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from either the sun or artificial light.

In return the sensitivity to light may cause the individual to develop a skin rash, known as the butterfly rash. It will appear over the nose and cheek areas after sun exposure. Since levels of sunlight sensitivity will vary from person to person a lupus sufferer must look for ways to protect themselves from the sun.

What actually happens is that the UV rays damage the skins cells, which causes them to die. In a healthy person the cells would be removed quickly, they would normally experience no more than a sun burn and then be ok. However, for a person with lupus when the sun damages the cells and they die they don’t remove themselves from the body in the most efficient way, so they remain on the skin and cause inflammation. It was once believed that UVB rays were the primary source of the problem, but they have found that UVA are partly responsible for this condition also.

Some ways to be Sun Smart include:

1. Avoid midday and tropical sun exposure completely if possible

2. Keep tract of the amount of time you spend out under the sun UV rays

3. Be vigilant about apply sunscreen before you go outside.

Apply the recommended amount to obtain the recommended SPF on the bottle and don’t forget to

Reapply when you come out of the water

Apply to every area the sun can reach back and sides or neck, ears, etc.

4. Protect you body from sun exposure by covering up when outside as much as possible.

5. Beware of UV rays that come from halogen or fluorescent indoor lighting.

6. Ask your doctor if your medication increases your light sensitivity in any way.

Also there are some medications such as steroids and hydroxychloroquine that seem to be helpful in protecting the skin and guarding against rashes. It is best to keep the doses of steroids as low as possible and follow some of the other sun smart methods.

Source: Lupus Foundation of America
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus


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