Lupus rash??? From sun??: Have come out in this... - LUPUS UK

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Lupus rash??? From sun??

Sara_A profile image
19 Replies

Have come out in this rash chest up on holiday in menorca at mo 31 degrees. I’ve had factor 50 on and not been sunbathing or anything silly just short stints walking or sitting out. Itchy rash.

Do u think this is lupus related from the sun or just heat rash? Any thoughts/experience??

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Sara_A profile image
Sara_A
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19 Replies
Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK

Hi Sara_A ,

As I am not medically qualified I am not able to see whether you rash may be caused by the sun or purely the heat - but hopefully other members of the community can share their experiences.

It the sun is particularly strong and you are very hot (and sweating as a result) then it is very important to reapply the sunscreen regularly throughout the day to ensure it is protecting you as well as possible. It can also help to stick to the shade as much as possible and cover exposed areas with something light.

Our article about lupus and light sensitivity has lots of information and advice which may be of interest - lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

For advice about staying cool and looking after yourself in hot weather, please take a look at this article on the NHS website - nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-bo...

Comeonpeeps profile image
Comeonpeeps

Is it the first time you've used that cream, could it be an allergic reaction? Do you normally get lupus rashes from the sun, are they similar to this?

Sara_A profile image
Sara_A in reply toComeonpeeps

I’ve never had a lupus rash from the sun before. I have used this brand of cream before yes and I haven’t got the rash on my legs which is where I’ve applied it to as well as these other parts??

I’ve increased my daily steroid to 10mg daily to see if it helps am already taking antihistamine for it

Thanks

Apple68 profile image
Apple68

Hello Sara

I get the same rash as that, whenever the sun is

Out,. winter or summer.

I don't sit in the sun, but

like you just go in and out

of my car or house,

Mine gets sore, rather than itching. but it goes down

after a day or so

Funnily enough mine

First appeared when I

was on holiday in Majorca

I was 21, not much was

known about lupus then

as I am 70 now, and still get it.It also appears if

I am I'll. I do use factor

50, but it doesn't seem to help. So I think it's linked

to your lupus. My neck is currently quite sore

just from the heat today,

I hope that helps,

best wishes.

Kate-L profile image
Kate-L

I am an SLE patient and would be very worried if I came out in a rash like this. How long have you been diagnosed with Lupus?

To be on the safe side, I'd get in touch with your Lupus doctors and ask for advice.

Sara_A profile image
Sara_A in reply toKate-L

About 18 yrs, have never reacted to sun like this but then I don’t regularly go on holiday.

I have just taken antihistamine every 4-6 hrs and doubled my steroids from 5 to 10mgs as this will be all the drs will do while I’m in menorca. We go home tomorrow so if it’s still bad or worse I’ll contact rheum. I’ve taken photos to show him next time I see him. My face is better today than yesterday my arms still have rash and it’s bit scaly looking.

englishrose67 profile image
englishrose67 in reply toSara_A

That's what my chest goes like after a while .glad you've upped your steroids & taking antihistamines x

bedboundjules profile image
bedboundjules

Looks like lupus helped push this rash but it is looking like sun poisoning. The sun is getting so hot that you can literally feel it penetrating right through you. So with your fair skin and the burn you have that’s what I would say it looks like. Just keep all the moisture you can to those areas and drink lots of water. It’s going to take several weeks for it to feel better, but that will remind you to moisturize. Sorry 😐 been there done that and I am dark skinned. Good luck 🍀

englishrose67 profile image
englishrose67

Looks like lupus rash to me. I usually get that on my chest and forehead when I'm on holiday and its hot .its itchy and feels bubbly to touch ( very similar to blisters without them being filled with fluid)

See gp when you get back and he'll prob give you steroid cream .It takes a while to go when I get it .but worth it it if you have a great holiday .Use cold flannels or ice if you can get it to ease the itch. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.x

Florence91 profile image
Florence91

Only time will tell that but it looks like you need to cover up more and not just rely on f50 cream. The sun is v strong as well as high temps. I have had my ears burnt in Cornwall in the past even tho the rest was creamed and covered and it can be enough to trigger being unwell. So please take care. Best wishes

Wendy39 profile image
Wendy39

Hello. Over time I have realised that I am more photosensitive than I thought, at the beginning of my lupus. I now wear UV protection clothing from March to October. My clothing has to be specialised or so thick that sun doesn't shine through. I also have been told that I must wear a hat every day. Even in winter to protect my scalp etc. So most of me is covered by clothing. The only bits exposed to the UV are hands, face and feet. Ego sun sense SPF 50+ from the doctors. I think for us lupies getting any sun tan isn't safe. Don't get me wrong I go abroad on holiday. But I am super careful. Like all our lupus symptoms, we are all different. The sun sensitivity is on a scale. It's trial and error finding where we are on the photosensitive scale. Plus, I think our symptoms can get worse over time. So please take care and speak to your rheumy/Dermy when you can. Keep a note of this incident and keep the photos of your skin rashes too. I hope this hasn't ruined your holiday. Best wishes, Wendy

Jelly profile image
Jelly

The rash is exactly what I get and is sun sensitivity. Best to cover up because no amount of suncream will prevent it. I think you've done right regarding antihistamine and upping steroids. I was advised to use eumovate topically. Its a steroid cream. It works wonders. I'm suffering exactly the same because I foolishly over exposed myself earlier this week . It's about 7 years since I last had this problem but my lupus is flaring so I shouldn't be surprised. Hope it settles for you.

Sara_A profile image
Sara_A in reply toJelly

Has any dr seen ur rash when u have had it?? Have they confirmed it’s related to the lupus and sun? Just cos I’m not seeing anyone about it and will just show rheum when I see him in few months x

Jelly profile image
Jelly in reply toSara_A

Yes when I was 1st diagnosed 8 years ago my gp and rheumy both saw it. It's settled with meds and self care.

Sara_A profile image
Sara_A

It’s difficult as I needed to be in the pool with my small kids some of the time, but I definitely won’t be so exposed in the future now that this has happened!

Jelly profile image
Jelly

Yes my rheumatologist and gp have both seen and confirmed it's due to lupus sun sensitivity. It's not uncommon. I akso have suffered from severe facial swelling due to the sun during a fkare. But you have to remember there can be more damage going on internally.

Sara_A profile image
Sara_A in reply toJelly

Do u know what and what the signs are?? My joints had been better but as soon as the rash came my joints started to hurt again and felt really exhaust and tired again x

Jelly profile image
Jelly in reply toSara_A

It's a flare. Some problems are silent tho and will only show in bloods

Sara_A profile image
Sara_A

I’ve ended up going to the drs today following this rash from holiday as I have joint pain and feel rubbish.

Gp says it’s photosensitive lupus flare, which I’ve never had before but then I don’t really go on holiday or spend time in the sun anyway as am quite fair haired.

What I want to know is about organ problems from this and how I’d know if I had any damage and what symptoms I might experience.

Has anyone had this or knows anything about it??

Thanks

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