Ok, so I went for a walk this morning with my dog. I put on sunblock 50+, long sleeves, hat that has upf 50+. It was 9:30am and was overcast (i know that doesn't stop the sun's rays...but at least the sun wasn't beating down on me) I was out for half an hour. When I got home, the malar region of my face was bright bright pink, like bubblegum! On top of which, that area started to burn, burn, burn. I had to just let the cool water run down my face in the shower. I can't help wonder...what is the point of all the "protection" when my face reacts like that?? I'm grateful I don't have any rashes anywhere else on my body, but this just drives me crazy. I know things could be so much worse...I'm just whining.
I know how frustrating that can be. Just riding in the car to the doc office will bring out the rash. Neutrogena makes a facial moisturizer that is 125 spf. At least I think it's 125...maybe more. I use this anytime I am going to be out for a little while. After applying that I use a BB cream that is 55 spf although I don't know if it really matters.
I never noticed the reaction until I started looking at my face after being in the sun. You might try an umbrella when you go out. There are reasons that many people in other countries use them.
You will find something that works for you as you as you are just starting to have to make adjustments. I am sorry that you are having such a hard time.
XOXO,
DeAnnne
What was the temperature? Heat causes my facial rash to flare. It could also be just the physical exertion. I get flares indoors, if I overexert.
Actually, it might just be the combination of exertion and suns rays. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks Jazmin :)
Jazmin said:
What was the temperature? Heat causes my facial rash to flare. It could also be just the physical exertion. I get flares indoors, if I overexert.
It is ok to whine here :) We all know what you are going through. I also have the same problem. Hopefully soon we will get some relief but until then we are here for each other and can whine all we want and no one will think anything of it :)
If they 'work' for your skin I think the best sunscreen are the zinc barrier types.
I agree with above it may have been the temperature in combo with activity & sun.
Are you experiencing or getting over a drug reaction? This will make you increasingly sun sensitive & when resolved, the precautions you are now taking may well suffice.
Also the hat may not be dense enough.
Best wishes to you. Kaz xo
I agree with sandy73! That's the thing about this group. We have similar problems and we understand one another. I love my family very much and I never want them to go through what I am going through, but as much as they've tried, they can't understand.
I am the same with the sun. Sometimes I get too much through the windows of my car (and my windows are tinted) and even with 50+ sunblock on, it takes but 15 minutes for that lovely butterfly to appear on my face, sometimes even later in the day. I've noticed that my children tend to get really flushed and it scares me so much, because I don't want them to go through what I've been through. Best wishes for good health in the days to come!
I started using CeraVe sunscreen recommended by my derm. It is SPF 50 but has zinc. She told me the # is not so much important as the ingredients. The zinc reflects back both UVA and UVB . Also neuter genoa SPF 100 with Heliopolis spray works fabulous. I put them both to the test…I am visiting my mom in Orlando right now. We spent the last 2 days walking around animal kingdom and Epcot. Yesterday it was 95 degrees…ugh! No burn…no rash…amen! Just nauseous from the heat at times but we took it slow and rested in the air conditioning when I needed to. I was a little frightened to go on this trip quite frankly because I am getting over a severe rash that turned extremely ugly and embarrassing all over my arms and chest. It’s much better now but it taught me my limitations for sure!
I too have the same problem. Cold compress help me. I also get a rash on the back of my neck. Like you I was wearing a sun protective hat and Sun screen. Again like you even happens on cloudy or cool days. I do think it is a warning, and activity brings the "blush" out and it hangs around for a long time. Hang in there, I am new to lupus and still trying to figure it all out.
Hi
My face is red when I get out of the shower. I wear only long sleeves and long pants. Its hard to find long sleeves and long pants that are lightweight. I ended up making them. I have rash on my arms and legs all the time. I have sle and I also have lichen planus ( an incurable skin disease). Diagnosed 13 months ago. I don't have any pain (yet) or kidney involvement(yet). I try not to whine, but I think it's good to whine sometime. Good luck everyone
I know...I also had to make a lot of sacrifices denying myself of a lot of pleasures, but being better is far too sought by my gut. I can even feel how this sun is burning my skin and muscles and it's never forgiving. Sunblock helps but never enough for me.
Whining helps get it out of your system, so it is good.
I must report that I choose to use the scooter when I did my shopping today. I way over did on Thu. And payed for it big time Fri.
Latina I to can feel the sun burning through my shirt. That is why I can't wait to get a sun protective shirt to use as a jacket when I go out.
I have actually found and use an SPF 100 sunblock. Everyone laughs at me and tells me that anything over a 35 is unnecessary. I beg to differ! I can certainly tell the difference between a 50, 75, 100 as compared to a 35! I tell them that they should walk a mile in my skin, then tell me it makes no difference! I usually avoid the sun like the plague, but do have to face it now and then.
I have the same problems.........it seems like if I even go out of the house when the sun is shining, my face gets red and it will start a bad flare on me..........it doesn't matter if I wear sunscreen, hat, long sleeves and long pants........even the sun protective clothing doesn't help me.........I understand and can relate to all of it......hang in there