Lupus and Sun Sensitivity: How to Stay Safe

Individuals with the autoimmune disease lupus may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Are there ways to help protect the skin?

Lupus Sun Exposure

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the joints, muscles, and skin. Around 5 million individuals worldwide, and 1.5 million in the United States, have been diagnosed with lupus. The disease is most common in early to mid-adulthood, and 90% develop in women. (Lupus Foundation of America, 2021) For some, the symptoms manifest as joint swelling or muscle soreness. Skin rashes, mottling or red or purple marbled skin, and sun sensitivity are common lupus symptoms. (Medline Plus, 2024) While exposure to UV radiation from natural and artificial light can be damaging to everyone, minimal exposures can cause a flare-up for those with chronic lupus.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) light is radiation emitted naturally by the sun. These rays have some health benefits, like the generation of vitamin D, but too much UV exposure can cause health problems. Exposure to too much sun and artificial sources of light can cause: (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024)

• Sunburn
• Skin damage
• Skin cancer
• Eye damage
• Cataracts
• Immune system suppression
• Certain medications can impact individual sensitivity to the sun and UV radiation.

Sun Exposure

Lupus can increase photosensitivity or immune system reaction to the sun’s rays. This symptom affects 40% and 70% of individuals with lupus. (Lupus Foundation of America, 2021) UV radiation damages cells and alters DNA. However, the damage can be more severe in those with lupus because their cells are more sensitive, and damaged cells are removed from the body more slowly, which can cause an attack on the immune system. (Lupus Foundation of America, 2021)

Symptoms

UV light and certain artificial light sources can trigger reactions in those with lupus. These reactions can happen immediately or develop weeks later and include: (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013)

• Itching
• Stinging
• Burning
• Joint pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Other symptoms of sun exposure triggers are: (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013) (Lupus Foundation of America, 2021)

• Rashes
• Skin lesions

Rashes or skin lesions that appear after sun exposure can come and go within hours or days, or they can last for months. (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013) UV light can also cause a lupus flare-up of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, tingling, and numbness. (Lupus Foundation of America, 2021)

Protection

Protecting the skin from UV radiation is recommended for everyone, but it is especially important for individuals with photosensitivity from lupus. Some strategies to protect the skin include.

Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen to the skin provides a chemical or physical barrier to UV radiation. (MD Anderson, 2024) Most commercial sunscreens offer a combination of protection:

Physical Barriers

• These include minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
• The finely ground minerals lay on top of the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays away.

Chemical Absorbers

• These offer a thin, protective film that absorbs UV rays before they can penetrate the skin.

Proper sunscreen application is crucial, regardless of which type is chosen. The recommended application is to apply a palmful of sunscreen every two hours or more often if it gets wet or sweaty. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection against:

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays
• A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended.
• Sunscreen can expire, so check the expiration dates regularly. (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2020) (MD Anderson 2024)

Protective Clothing

• Most clothing offers protection against UV radiation.
• Individuals can purchase clothing or hats with UV-blocking properties or washing products for their clothes to increase their level of UV protection. (American Cancer Society, 2024)
• Sunglasses are also important against UV radiation, eye damage, and other problems.

Utilize Shade Areas

In the summer, the sun is strongest in most locations between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UV rays can pass through windows, and the body is exposed to UV radiation on cloudy days (American Cancer Society, 2024). Avoiding sunlight or other strong sources of UV radiation will help protect the skin. Staying indoors or in shaded areas is the best choice during these hours.

Seeing a Healthcare Provider

Lupus treatment varies and changes over time. Individuals with lupus schedule regular appointments with their healthcare provider to review treatment and symptoms, especially after sun exposure. Avoiding sun exposure by seeking shade and wearing sunscreen and protective clothing can help reduce the chances of experiencing a flare-up. Some cases of photosensitivity are mild, while others can require more intense treatments to avoid larger flare-ups.

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References

Medline Plus. (2024). Lupus. Retrieved from medlineplus.gov/lupus.html

Lupus Foundation of America. (2021). Lupus facts and statistics. www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Health effects of UV radiation. Retrieved from www.epa.gov/sunsafety/health-effects-uv-radiation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). UV radiation. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/uv-radiation-safety/index.html

Lupus Foundation of America. (2021). UV exposure: What you need to know. www.lupus.org/resources/uv-exposure-what-you-need-to-know

Lupus Foundation of America. (2013). Research on photosensitivity among people with lupus. www.lupus.org/resources/research-on-photosensitivity-among-people-with-lupus

MD Anderson Center. (2024). How does sunscreen work? www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/how-does-sunscreen-work.h00-159698334.html

Skin Cancer Foundation. (2020). Ask the expert: Does sunscreen stay effective after its expiration date? www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-sunscreen-stay-effective-after-its-expiration-date/

American Cancer Society. (2024). How do I protect myself from ultraviolet (UV) rays? www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-protection.html