This list is taken from a publication of the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.og). I initially posted it under a discussion of the extent to which changes in weather trigger flares. I was asked to start a separate discussion on these resources to protect those of us who are photosensitive from ultraviolet rays.
Sun Protection Products
Skin Cancer Foundation
Lists sunscreens and other products that have gotten the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of recommendation for effective UV protection.
A powder that when added to the washing machine will make regular clothing sun resistant to SPF 30. Lasts at least 20 washings; available in many drug and grocery stores.
It is important to stay protected, I do believe that the sun can bring on a flare, but more importantly, if you are on medication to supress your imune system, then skin cancer needs to be taken seriously x
Thanks Ann for making this into a discussion. My favorite is the idea of that RIT laundry treatment, because I can wear lighter-weight clothes and still have sun protection. Thanks for all the research you did!
Fluorescent lights definitely have UV rays. It was one of the main reasons I had to get disability. What workplace doesn't use fluorescent lighting? Even those curly bulbs are fluorescent, and Mom and I both got very sick within hours of putting one bulb in. (Mom has lupus too). Canada wants to ban the non-fluorescent kind of bulbs, so people with many different health problems will be sicker. They are so dangerous to make, they can only be produced in third world countries where the regulations are lax, and they have merury n them, so if one breaks, there's a whole page of instructions on how to dispose of it safely.
Yes Ann, agreed on all points. I get really really sick from UV. After one time that I was forced to stay in the sun for 8+ hour, I had diarrhea for a year straight. I can be out for about 15 minutes, then the pain and swelling and internal problems begin, so I use 50 SPF spray. It does help, and much easier to apply than the cream, and I can spray the top of my head as well, so it doesn't get sunburned while running errands. The floppy sunhat is such a hassle when you are in and out of a small car a half dozen times or more.
I am so happy to hear that you have such a good Dr.!!! They are more rare than precious gems. I agree that my symptoms change so often, that one day I might not have any reaction to the sun, but another I can swell up all over like a balloon and end up in serious condition in the ER. Even my allergies change, depending on different factors.
I used to use Sun Blockers, but found that I didn't feel quite as well during the remainder of the day if I forgot to use them. Sooooo, I figure I am probably allergic to something in it, or in the last one I was using, anyway.
Ann, did you know research showed that all the lupus patients they tested were reacting badly to PABA? Same thing with Alfalfa sprouts. Little bit of lupus trivia.
Ann A. said:
In the old days it was difficult to find brands that did not contain PABA. When I was young, I could only use the hypoallergenic creams made my Neutrogena.
This is SO interesting. I've worked in my office for 7 years.. Been diagnosed with lupus for 5.. I am definitely going to ask my rheumy about this.
Sheila W. said:
Fluorescent lights definitely have UV rays. It was one of the main reasons I had to get disability. What workplace doesn't use fluorescent lighting? Even those curly bulbs are fluorescent, and Mom and I both got very sick within hours of putting one bulb in. (Mom has lupus too). Canada wants to ban the non-fluorescent kind of bulbs, so people with many different health problems will be sicker. They are so dangerous to make, they can only be produced in third world countries where the regulations are lax, and they have merury n them, so if one breaks, there's a whole page of instructions on how to dispose of it safely.
Ann, there is some really interesting stuff that you've posted, thank you so much! I'm 2 years into being formally diagnosed with Discoid, for 365 days of the year I smother myself in Piz Buin SPF 50 Hypersensitive - I find it's the best one for me, the sensitive element of it soothes me if those pesky rays still manage to penetrate
I'm not one for hats and so to read what Sheila posted about spraying your head as well is really good! I do get hair loss if I'm out in the sun for any length of time so this could really work for me