So, for those of you who are sun sensitive, how do you protect yourself to keep from going into a flare? How much sunlight does it take to make you have a flare? I've been outside just a little bit and am having a flare. I was under an umbrella and in the shade, so I don't get it. I've also been swimming in the shade with an SPF shirt on. This is the worst my hands and feet have hurt in a very long time ( they tell me I have seronegative RA). Today, I will make sure I have sunscreen on along with my SPF shirt.
There are times when I'm very sun sensitive. The last lupus conference recommended that sun-sensitive patients wear 100 SPF whenever outside. I do that, along with a sun protective hat (no holes in it like straw). SPF clothing. Some times even gloves.
In my gear, I usually can walk in indirect sunlight, shade, sunlight only in short spaces. Even with that, I try not to get into direct sunlight. If I'm on a reflective surface, the UV bounces off the surface and reflects on my face. In fact, this is probably the most harmful UV for me. In my gear, I usually can walk in indirect sunlight, shade, sunlight in short spaces. I wouldn't go swimming in the sunny part of the day (unless it's in the shade - strictly hypothetical for me). When the sun starts to go down, I can be a little more relaxed. And when the sun goes behind the trees, I can get rid of my long sleeves - it feels great. In the northern latitudes, after-sunset light lasts for awhile. Also, predawn is over an hour as well but pretty durn early.
If I fall short, my face gets red pretty quickly. And then in a few hours, I start getting bumps on my face, and the systemic inflammation stuff starts the next day. I take a lot of high quality fish oil and that really helps the inflammation (1 T Nordic Naturals omega-3 oil) and the rash goes away in a few days.
SPF 400 sunglasses, SPF 40-50 big floppy hat, SPF 40 pants, SPF 40-50 long sleeve shirt and finding as much shade as possible. I also have copper compression gloves that help. I have suction cup screen for the side window of the car to reduce UV.
Thanks for your responses, I really appreciate it Joe and Sooki. Sometimes it is good to know your re not the only one. I did get some 100 SPF by Neutrogena sunscreen. I am going to get some SPF clothes. They are pretty pricey but I think this store is having a sale here around the 4th of July. Hope I didn't miss it.