In the midst of summer, outdoor activities are prevalent for many people. Trips to the beach, pool, park or zoo can make beautiful memories. Yet, for lupus sufferers, protection from the damaging effects of the sun become paramount to protect ourselves from cutaneous and systemic lupus flares. Being armed with sun protective information will help you make tons of memories with loved ones while keeping yourself safe in the process.
Time to learn our A,B,C's when it comes to sun protection! Most people are aware that the ultraviolet rays from the sun cause sunburns. However, there are three different kinds of ultraviolet rays with two kinds causing the agonizing summer sunburns and flares in people with lupus. Termed UVA, UVB and UVC, the ultraviolet rays allow trees to grow so to speak, but UVA and UVB are the main culprits in sunburns and flares. UVB rays cause cell damage and the burn that we are all accustomed to at one or more times in our lives while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin known as the dermis causing cutaneous and systemic lupus flares. The best defense is a great offense and sunscreens along with protective clothing are important tools in minimizing UV rays and flare potential.
Some sunscreens that you may want to invest in are those that cover BOTH types of rays - UVA and UVB. Since there are a ton of products out there, please ask your pharmacist and/or doctor for help if confused. After all, that is what we are here to do! Looking for an SPF factor of 15 or greater is key to protecting against the UVB rays that cause sunburn and cancer, but it does not mean that the product covers UVA. Please make certain that the product covers both UVA and UVB. According to Lupus Now, the best product available is Meroxyl. Once again, ask your dermatologist/rheumatologist and pharmacist the best one for you taking into consideration cost and preference.
Another point to mention is that sunscreen must be reapplied according to the product that is being used. Some need reapplication every 2 hours while others mention that sweating and/or getting wet requires reapplication every 40 to 80 minutes. Additionally, be aware that it takes 30 minutes for the body to absorb the sunscreen. Moreover, hats with at least a 4 inch surrounding brim, sunglasses that surround the eye to protect from all sides with at least 99% UV protection is great, wearing sun protective clothing, and limiting exposure during 10am to 2 pm can help reduce sunburn and those nasty flares.
Lastly, UV rays can penetrate windows, and flourescent lights are known to induce flares as well. Even on cloudy days, UV rays will penetrate. So, keeping sun protection throughout the day is a great idea, and there are protective plastic covers that can be put over the lights.
Lots to keep in mind, but worth the effort to keep those summer memories coming and flares caused by the sun a thing of yesterday!
Remember, keep the hope for a better tomorrow, the wind at our sails, and as my exercise guru says "Don't forget to smile!"
Happy Summer everyone:)
