With Lupus, You Always Need to Think About Sun Protection

My lower legs currently are covered with red spots.

It has been so hot that I’ve been wearing capri pants every day. The result is that my legs have gotten more sun exposure than usual. But instead of a nice golden tan, I have red spots. With lupus, I must be extra careful about how much sun I get. 

Protect your skin

I apply sunscreen on my face as part of my daily routine, but I often forget about my arms and legs. I keep a tube of SPF 50 sunscreen on the table near where I get dressed, but I don’t use it unless I plan to be outside for more than a few minutes. I should get in the habit of using it every day, because exposure for a few minutes at a time adds up. 

How are sunscreens rated?

SPF stands for “sun protection factor,” and on sunscreen products, the acronym is accompanied by a number indicating the level of protection provided. Sunscreens are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the SPF number offers the same amount of protection no matter which brand you use. 

Are they all the same?

No. Different types of sunscreens offer a variety of applications, including lotions, gels, creams, butters, and sprays. Some sunscreens are advertised as water-resistant. Read the label to check how long they remain effective while swimming or sweating. 

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreen means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA is an ultraviolet light that can penetrate the thickest layer of skin, the dermis, causing premature wrinkling and skin aging. 

UVB light is composed of shorter-wave ultraviolet rays that reach the outer layer of skin. Exposure to both UVA and UVB contributes to skin cancer. An easy way to remember is “A” is for “aging” and “B” for “burn.” Protect your skin against both types of rays by choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

Which one should you choose?

The FDA recommends a minimum of SPF 15 for everyone. But for people like me, who have fair skin, they suggest an SPF 30 to 50. Read the label to ensure that you are reapplying it as frequently as the manufacturer advises. 

I am trying to be more conscientious of protecting my skin from the sun’s rays. Though I may be making a quick trip to the car, I’m still getting more sun exposure than I should. The evidence is clearly visible on my legs. 

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Note: Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lupus News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lupus.