Photosensitivity and RA: Protect Yourself From Skin Damage

By Lisa Emrich, Health Guide Sunday, June 17, 2012

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The sun was brighter than I’ve seen in a very long time and sunglasses weren’t enough to keep me from squinting myself into a headache. Oh how I wished that I had brought a wide-brimmed hat, but alas I didn’t think of it as I packed for a week in Switzerland. A few week...

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Brad, Health Guide

6/18/12 1:18am

Nice post Lisa! Thanks for the info. I try to always have a hat with me, and when I do not, I KNOW it in a hurry! Your trip sounds like it was wonderful minus the sun damage.

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

6/18/12 9:39pm

Thanks Brad,

The trip really was enjoyable, much too short however. I posted a few photos on my blog. I think that I'll remember a hat next time. :)

Lisa

wonderwoman

6/18/12 3:08am

Wow thanks, I have had this itchy lumpy rash on my chest and not known what it was, I avoid the sun a lot and have a fair/reddish skin. I take Methotrexate.

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

6/18/12 9:41pm

It's absolutely possible that you might be experiencing a photosensitivity reaction. I suggest that you mention it to your doctor next time you have an appointment. Hope you're doing well otherwise.

wonderwoman

6/18/12 3:17am

Wow thanks, I have had this itchy lumpy rash on my chest and not known what it was, I avoid the sun a lot and have a fair/reddish skin. I take Methotrexate.

Sal B

6/18/12 7:03pm

Brilliant post, thanks, Lisa! I've been on two DMARDs now that affect photosensitivity.

We live in the UK and my mother-in-law has a small home in south west of France (well, someone has to!), and I was determined to protect my skin, so last year I bought myself a burkini for swimming. The burkini is designed as a modest swimsuit for muslim women, but I have to say it works really well for sun protection as well, and they even do a high sun protection factor model too. The previous year, before I discovered burkinis I swam in PJs - not satisfactory:material that was both heavy and unflattering when wet, to say the least!

I don't know about suppliers in the USA, but there are a variety available in both the UK and Australia, and you can order them through Amazon.

I shall be packing it again for our holiday this year, along with the light long sleeved tops, linen trousers, and the essential wide brimmed hat. Despite the fact that it is pouring with rain in Britain, I feel nearly ready to say happy summer everyone.

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

6/18/12 9:48pm

Hi Sal,

Happy summer to you!! South west France, sounds wonderful. Enjoy your time on vacation. I had not heard of the burkini. I can see how it would be much better than swimming in PJs, while providing great skin coverage. Is it hot or cool to wear?

Sal B

6/19/12 4:58am

the fabric is the same as for a swimsuit, so you wouldn't want to sit in the sun in it for too long, but it is fine in the water, and whilst drying off after you come out of the pool.

It attracts some attention, but it's all been positive when I explain it is protecting me from the sun. One of our famous chefs, Nigella Lawson, wore one in Australia a couple of years ago, so the Brits are aware of it, the French less so. Hers was a black one, mine is blue and grey.

zumba senior

6/21/12 8:22pm

Hi. Thanks so much for the info. I've just returned from a trip to Illinois and I did get some sun even though I did use sunscreen. I've been having some iching on my arms, neck, face and throat but no rash. (I'm on MTX and Humera.) There are no other symptoms except that darn fatigue which is really getting me down. Is it possible that this "ichyness" is from the sun even though there is no rash? Thanks.

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

6/23/12 3:52pm

Hi Zumba,

I'm not sure if your itchiness is related to the sun exposure or not. I suppose it is possible. Definitely take note of this and post the same question to your rheumatologist. Then come back and let us know what he/she says.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

6/27/12 2:14pm

excellent advice, all of it! Thanks so much for this.

You mentioned being light-sensitive due to your MS and it made me think of FO such as red over on our Migraine site. Teri reviewed pair of sunglasses specifically for people who are light-sensitive due to migraine - maybe they would work for you, as well?

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

6/28/12 10:46am

Your welcome! With the MS, I am very heat-sensitive. When my body temperature rises, things start to go cablooey. My walking becomes adversely affected, my vision blurry, my brain really slow in thinking, and my mood cranky. But I'll definitely have to check out those sunglasses because bright sun in my eyes does indeed bother me as well (but not because of MS). Thanks for the link.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

6/28/12 1:07pm

read that wrong (probably moved too fast). I'd love to check those sunglasses out - I have light sensitivity primarily related to fibromyalgia, but also when I have migraines. Unfortunately, they don't seem to come in prescription lenses, though.

If you do check them out, let me know how they work?

Photosensitivity and RA: Protect Yourself From Skin Damage

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