Real Skin Issues

Have you ever heard a lupus patient ask to keep a room as dark as possible? Most likely they are allergic to the sun, or their body is running too hot from a medication. The way a medication affects my skin, I don’t want to go outside. This is called photosensitivity, and it causes people to be sensitive to the UV rays from the sun or certain indoor lights (fluorescent or halogen bulbs).

Medication side effects

People with this symptom have a stronger sensitivity to light than others. I remember when I first started having real skin issues. It was the medication that I was taking, Cellcept. I thought I knew better and decided to go out with my sister. I looked like a shedding lizard under all the makeup to cover up my burns (which then burned more). You would think it would be better because Louisiana has humidity, but nope it still burned.

I started to form sores and skin rashes everywhere. At first it was in only places exposed to the sun or the lights within my house. Well, I also like to air dry after a shower and that was not a good idea when it came to those inside lights. My skin would always feel like it was on fire.

My body attacking itself

The places where the rash would be the pain would be, and not just on my skin; sometimes I felt the pain internally. My skin would feel on fire. Bodies are supposed to clear out dead cells but instead mine attacks the healthy cells. These attacks can contribute to my photosensitivity with lupus and increase inflammation.

What helps me

Sunscreen

Something that helps protect me is using sunscreen, even though the ending result is walking around with a white substance all over my body. But you have to do what you have to do.

Covering up

Next is covering up. That works the best for me, but who wants to be like that during the summertime? Then it is too hot, and I could mess around and get heatstroke in Louisiana.

When I lived in Texas I refused to go out because that is dry heat. In Louisiana I'm saved by the humidity. There are times when I just will not go outside and when I do it will only be because I have no choice and I have to make do with the circumstances I had.

Window tints

There used to be window tinting guidelines and now that has changed, there is no limit and I understand why. It has gotten too hot to not have tint for your car. That has helped so much with my skin.

Handicap stickers

Get a handicap sticker to reduce the time it takes to get to and into your car. I know that might not mean much to some but it means a lot to a patient like me. Especially when it comes to getting in and out the stores while trying to avoid the sun.

The effort is worth it

Everywhere you go will have UV rays. Take care of yourself so you don't have additional hospital visits. Even if you're super hot and tired, the effort is worth it in the end. What helps your skin issues?