Heat or sun causing more pain

Not sure if it's the lupus or arthirits but I did hear sun An heat is good for arthirits but the past few days since we have had the nice weather my legs knees feet mainly joints have been swelling and now I'm struggling to walk in a lot of pain but only with joints

[Ianrussell69]

Hi I am uv intolerant when I'm in the sun my muscles and joints are much worse also very sleepy factor 50 and trilby ,it might be worth asking if you might be uv sensitive hope you feal better soon

[Mifford]

You should talk to your rheumatologist to check whether you should be out in the sun ... my lupus is highly photosensitive so I'm not sure whether it's across the board advice but at my first diagnostic consultation I was immediately advised that I needed to use factor 50 total sunblock (available on prescription for lupus patients) between the solstices and to avoid the sun as much as I can as it's know to cause flares in lupus. In my case o go way beyond that so now can't remember what advice was general for all Lupus Patients and which was specific to the way I react but I'm sure others can help.

[Hidden in reply to Mifford]

Never felt this way in the sun before, but the weather hasn't been like this since iv been ill. I am due to go Tenerife in January so maybe that's a bad idea now

[Mifford in reply to Hidden]

Do you have a follow up with your specialist before then? I would talk it over with them and it could be that as long as you follow their advice about preventative measures it won't be a problem.

[Hidden in reply to Mifford]

Yes im due to see him next week will defo be bringing it up

[Lupiknits]

I've been told to use factor50 too. The only part of hot sunny weather that suits me is that the Raynaud's isn't as bad.

[Treetop33]

I didn't think I was sensitive to the sun (and spent some time denying it was a trigger) until I reminded myself I've spent the last few years avoiding it because it makes me feel tired, nauseous, and burningly scratchy. And then, yes, sunlight does make my joints ache (did my knee in yesterday in the sun and that's with 30mg of Pred). And I use Factor 50. Hmm....

I saw this great video recently that basically said stay out of the sun as much as possible (sit in shade, umbrellas, meet people inside not outside etc etc). Cover up, wear a hat, sunscreen, and so on.

As for holidays, where's good to go for no sun and heat? Scotland maybe in August?

[Hidden in reply to Treetop33]

i felt like it affected my knees the most yesterday - but im glad the weather has cooled down alot today, i just seem to be very very sleepy today...

[Boxxietrolls]

I have the exact same problem. I love the warmth of the sun but can't stand it because of all my symptoms.

[jacclaire]

My whole body feels like I been poisoned by radiation! I can feel the middle of every bone

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Leanne22p,

An increased sensitivity to light is a common symptom of lupus. Sunlight can cause people with lupus to experience rashes, nausea, headaches and joint pains; joints can become tender to touch and can become swollen. We published a blog article on coping with light sensitivity which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

You may like to read of our blog article on ‘pain management’ here: lupusuk.org.uk/pain-managem...

[Balletmum71]

That explains why I feel like I do . Newly diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis ( rheumatoid) and MCTD .the rheumatoid said that I more lupus symptoms than anything else as well as RA but couldn't say it was exclusive lupus .

However , I've had my first real test of a lupus type flare . Heat and sun .only out for 10 mins and have paid for it . Flu symptoms, different joint pains to RA , swelling, rashes , rapid heart beat , nausea and severe headache .

I guess all will be well in a few days when the heat susbsides .

Hope you Leanne will be feeling better soon too. And hope anyone else suffering will be feeling a little easier soon too.