I get terrible Polymorphic light eruptions all over anywhere my skin is exposed. I asked a pharmacist if factor 50 sun cream is allowed to be prescribed, which he confirmed it is. My GP refused to prescribe it saying there are plenty of products on the market.
I can't afford to buy sun protection to last me the whole of summer. Does anyone else get it prescribed or does your Doctor refuse to prescribe it too?
You can get it prescribed, and indeed it is on my list of repeats (but that was Sunsense which you can't get and/or isn't very good). i then found Altruist, factor 50. Really cheap. And it can be prescribed. Look it up.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm just disappointed that my GP won't prescribe it for me.
Hi SLEepyhead123, sorry to hear your GP is refusing to prescribe you sunscreen. Light-sensitive lupus is on the list of conditions for which you can get a prescription for factor 50+ sunscreen. It doesn't matter if your GP feels there are non-prescription options around, they should still be able to prescribe it for you. (There was a change in recent years where some products were no longer routinely prescribed if they're available cheaply over-the-counter, which may be what your GP is referring to, but there is an exception for certain conditions. Lupus and sunscreen is one of them!).
Are you able to see a different GP? This blog has some information on how to change your GP if they're not listening to you: lupusuk.org.uk/getting-the-.... It also has some information on PALS, who can provide some support if you're struggling to get your doctor to prescribe.
I hope you're able to get a prescription soon.
Take care
Debbie
Hi.You could try Home bargains, if you have one near you. They have a few top brands that do spf50 at great prices.
Agree with Treetop33, Altruist is a fantastic brand, I get mine from Amazon.
All the best
Do you see a dermatologist for your light sensitivity? If you haven't been referred you probably should be as that condition can sometimes get much worse very quickly. Believe me I ended up with the most awful skin rash in 2018 that only responded to oral prednisolone. The consultant will direct your GP as to what you must have. And, yes, Spf50 is available on prescription.
I get sun lotion on prescription but took getting a dermatologist to prescribe.. I use a capsule too 360 heliocare d and my ple is the best it’s been in years 😊
I was prescribed sunscreen by a dermatologist, then G.P.. When I moved, my new G.Ps. would not prescribe it until they saw the blisters and I had to go back on prednisolone.. If you have bad PLE, you should be prescribed sunscreen as some brands can make it worse. I was patch tested with sunscreens and light to find out which would be okay but that was a few decades ago so more might be known about the suitability of sunscreens now. I have Uvistat, but the chemist is finding it hard to get it at the moment.
Hi, I’ve recently had a flare up. My skin is red, itchy and tingling too. I hardly go out when it’s really hot like it has been this last week or so. When I was diagnosed 10 year ago with SLE I got sunsense on prescription, but it was only 4star. I was told at the hospital it had to be 5star and factor 50. At the moment I’m using a roll on which I’ve had from Aldi, not sure how much it is offhand, although I know it’s under £5.
Hope you can get sorted soon.
I bought one at Aldi, its a 50 + childrens sensitive one for about 1.95, works fine too x
Hi, tell your gp that the NHS website states that we can be prescribed sunblock for our condition. In the meantime, I read a newspaper article yesterday which tested cheap and expensive sunblock and the only one which failed was Avon's. I've been using one from aldi whilst I waited for my gp to prescibe it for me which he now has, and I found it to be as good as the more expensive ones.
Seem to have to get everything that can be brought over counter.Eye drops even though have MGD.
Sunscreen even though I have photosensitive UCTD..
GP and I spent so long debating it, it was affecting what we could cover in the appointment. Did not want to end up on bad terms.
Really probably need better regulation nationally..but they just make it hard, when we are exhausted..
Thanks so much for all your replies. Much appreciated. I'm going to speak to my GP again and show her photos of my skin. I lived in Spain for 17 years and returned last September to live in UK due to lupus and the sun being so strong there. I used to be prescribed Uvistat before we emigrated. I try hard to avoid the sun but sat outside with friends for about an hour and my arms and legs are covered in a very itch rash.
Unfortunately I'm hearing more and more that people are getting refused sunscreen on prescription..I did a post about a month ago including sharing what I knew about that sunscreen should be available on prescription
Sun block on prescription - any good?
Sun cream 
Sun cream obsess
Factor 50 clothing idea :)
Hey, does anyone have any advice /experience re creams/meds to help with lupus sun rash :-(
