Although I haven't been formally diagnosed with Sjogren's, I have several of the main symptoms dry eyes, dry skin, and fatigue. So far, not the dry mouth, thank goodness! Anyhow, I thought I would do better with the warmer weather, but it doesn't look that way. We had our first warm, bright day today and I had to go out (to a doctor's appointment, naturally!) I put sun screen on my hands right before I walked out the door and on my chin (yes, I know it should have been sooner) and I drove for about 10 minutes without my gloves on as the temp. was about 65 degrees. Then I put my gloves on as I was nervous about the sun.
My knuckles still turned red, where they are still recovering from the winter weather, and I noticed when I got back home from my doctor's appointment a few red pinprick spots on my hands and forearms. My face got a bit flushed in the car also. It wasn't sunburn on my hands or my face as it disappeared shortly after I got home, although my hands definitely appeared drier. Is this a normal reaction to the sun for most of you Sjogren's folks? How do you handle the sun, if at all? I noticed I was much thirstier than normal too, and my eyes got even drier than normal, if that's possible. I am really afraid of the summer now! I work, I have to go out every day.
Couple of thoughts - Have your been assessed for lupus? Sometimes people with lupus can be sun sensitive. Are you taking plaquenil? Some people report sun sensitivity on that? Or any other meds that could be increasing your sensitivity?
Regardless, you should report these symptoms to your doctor, and take pictures when it happens. Pictures are great because it helps identify what kind of problem it is more quickly.
I think different Sjoggies respond differently to sun. I don't have a lot of issues, but I know some do.
Sorry that you have to deal with this.
Hi :)
I used to be a sun-worshipper. Would lie for hours in it given half a chance and I used to get a lovely deep tan.
No more. I am now capable of burning through a car windscreen. I use sun block, cover up, wear a hat and stay out of the sun as much as possible these days.
Plaquenil made it worse.
Take care - Scottie :)
It's weird though Scottie, because I don't even appear to get a sunburn as the redness usually disappears within hours. You guys are right though, I should take pictures and show them, I guess, to my dermatologist! And no, I'm not on any medication, other than klonopin, and I take that only 2-4 days per week.
Photos are a good idea. Can be really useful. :)