My dermatologist tells me sub-c-lupus is an allergy to sunlight

[KingArthur]

My dermatologist tells me sub-c-lupus is an allergy to sunlight and Actavis makers of my heart medicine volunteered this is known. I am going downhill rapidly. Any advice please?

[cynamonspice]

Photosensitivity and heat sensitivity make me so much worse (infact they bring on a full on flare), I hate summer now :o( but it may not be the same for you :o)

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

You might like to take a look at our website specifically for people with light sensitivity - eclipse.lupusuk.org.uk/

[gazorpf]

Ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light (from sunlight and other sources) alter the double stranded DNA in the skin. People with lupus make antibodies against double stranded DNA and other things. There are over 100 possible auto-antibodies. The altered DNA triggers the production of auto-antibodies causes lupus flares. It is not an allergy. It is an autoimmune reaction. Your dermatologist is trying to explain this in simple terms.

[Clare9811]

It's an auto immune reaction to the sunlight. I had never experienced this side of Lupus until 5 years ago, I had always been a sun worshipped. Then out of nowhere I developed the classic lupus rash all over my body, it was just frying me everywhere, right down to my little toe. It wasn't just the sun light either. The new style energy saving bulbs we're burning me as well, so we had to replace them with the old style bulbs. Work also had to install filters over the lightbulbs over my desk for me. I had to constantly re-apply suncream even when I was inside.