This sun sensitivity started around the same time as Tandon’s other lupus symptoms.
Now, before Tandon heads outside, she prepares for her day with her sun sensitivity in mind.
“I use an SPF 50 sunscreen prescribed by my doctor specifically,” she says.
Natdanai Pankong / EyeEm / Getty Images
“I have also been told to avoid direct sun exposure as much as I can.
So activities like sunbathing are a complete no.”
For people with certain rheumatic conditions, dealing with photosensitivity can be all too common.
And the blazing summer sun can make it tricky to navigate.
Dysfunction within the immune cells called Langerhans could be causing photosensitivity for people with autoimmune and dermatologic conditions.
Some may need to be vigilant all year round, including in the middle of the winter.
“It’s the main drug that we use to treat lupus and Sjogren’s.
Sometimes we’re caught between a rock and a hard place in terms of sensitivity.”
However, some patients may find that hydroxychloroquine protects them from sun sensitivity.
What Is Polymorphous Light Eruption?
People who do not have autoimmune diseases can still experience sun sensitivity.
King says that this condition affects around 10 to 15% of Americans.
“I am seeing a lot of flares of pigment from the sun,” Prather says.
Topical steroids can be used in intermittent 3 to 14 day periods to help people manage PMLE.
People with PMLE can also go into remission for a number of years.
“My condition isn’t chronic…it happens on and off,” she tells Verywell.
But most people, even those without sun sensitivity, can benefit from similar measures.
Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreencan lower your risk of developing cancer and slow premature aging in the skin.
It is also important for people to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
It’s important to get a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Both types of rays can trigger reactions in people who live with lupus.
Supplements
In addition to sunscreen, Prather says you could try sun supplements.
She specifically recommends Helioplex’s sun supplements.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against solely relying on sun supplements, though.
So it may be best to combine this tactic with other measures like sunscreen.
Clothes and hats which offer sun protection should be labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number.
However, no federal agencies regulate the effectiveness of UPF products.
Sunglasses labeled with a label of “UVA/UVB rating of 100%” can also help protect your eyes.
Window glass blocks UVB rays, but UVA rays can still penetrate.
Buying and setting up protective window films applied to windowpanes can offer additional protection.
2018;10(454):eaap9527.
doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aap9527
Lupus Foundation of America.UV exposure: What you should probably know.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Polymorphous light eruption.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Sun Protection and Connective Tissue Disease.
Lupus Foundation of America.10 wearable ways to protect yourself outdoors.
