Summer is synonymous with sunshine, vacations, and outdoor activities. However, for individuals living with lupus, the season can present unique challenges. Lupus, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its tissues, can be triggered or exacerbated by various factors, including sunlight and heat. But fear not! With some proactive measures and self-care strategies, it’s possible to enjoy the summer months while managing lupus symptoms effectively.
Understanding Lupus and Sun Sensitivity
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the skin. One common symptom of lupus is photosensitivity, where exposure to sunlight can trigger skin rashes, fatigue, and even internal organ inflammation in some cases. This heightened sensitivity to sunlight can make the summer months particularly challenging for those with lupus.
After spending my first few summers living with Lupus hidden away from summer fun. I decided enough was enough and I was going to find a way to enough summer without sending myself into a flare-up. Now four years later I have perfected my best practices for a healthy terrain, must-have product line up, and today I’m going to share it with you! Let’s start off with my best practices for a healthy terrain.
My best practices include any factor that is a trigger for Lupus so before I put myself directly in the line of a trigger I know I have taken care of my body as best as possible beforehand. These best practices look like an anti-inflammatory diet, staying hydrated 24/7, managing my stress levels, and tracking my symptoms/ disease state daily. If you’re interested in learning how each of these factors affects Autoimmune diseases make sure to check out our posts below!
- “Lupus and Hydration”
- “Lupus and Diet”
- “Lupus and sun exposure”
- “5 Products to help prevent a Lupus rash from the sun”
- “Sun exposure and Lupus rashes- Best practices”
Quickly let’s go over all my best practices for a healthy terrain before moving onto products I cannot live without!
Best practices for Lupus and the sun
Hydration: Hydration starts a week before so If I’m planning an activity out in the elements I will be hitting my water goal every day a week prior. Make sure to read “Lupus and Hydration” if you haven’t already! I also make sure I am drinking mineral-rich water (spring water). Purified water has the natural minerals and electrolytes stripped from it during the rigorous purification process. So if you are drinking purified water make sure you are getting your electrolytes in somewhere else in your diet or are supplementing with an electrolyte drink when needed. I linked a few of my favorite electrolyte drinks below!
Managing stress: Managing big emotions and stress levels directly affects the state of one’s Autoimmune disease. If you haven’t make sure to go check out our post on “Stress and Autoimmune diseases” to understand how stress worsens the state of someone with Autoimmune diseases. Activities that can aid in managing stress are journaling, praying, meditating, deep breathing, stretching, etc.
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Keep your healthcare provider informed about any changes in your symptoms or medication needs, especially during the summer months. And make sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have about managing lupus in the summer heat. Your healthcare team can provide personalized advice and adjustments to your treatment plan.
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet: Diet directly affects the state of one’s Autoimmune disease. Make sure to read our post on “Diet and its effect on Lupus” to learn more about how Lupus is affected by dietary choices. If you are new to an anti-inflammatory diet or are interested in learning about the Autoimmune Protocol I will link all of our anti-inflammatory-based diet posts below!
Now we can jump into my best tips for when you’re out in the sun and what to keep in mind to protect yourself!
Tips for Surviving the Summer with Lupus:
Sun Protection is Key:
- Invest in high-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and apply it generously before going outdoors. Look for sunscreens specifically labeled “broad-spectrum” to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses with UV protection, to shield your skin and eyes from direct sunlight.
- Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Stay Cool:
- Heat can exacerbate lupus symptoms, so it’s essential to stay cool during hot summer days. Use fans, air conditioning, or cooling towels to lower your body temperature.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Take cool showers or baths to help regulate your body temperature and relieve any discomfort caused by heat.
Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely:
- Schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Pace yourself and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
- Consider alternative indoor activities, such as indoor swimming, yoga, or creative hobbies, to stay active while minimizing sun exposure.
DISCLAIMERā We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com. We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you.
Now let’s check out my must-have products for a day in the sun. I like to be comfortable when I’m out in public and carrying a few extra gadgets with me makes that possible.
Frog tog
Frog togs are life saviors. There’s an old hack where you use a flannel if you don’t have a frog tog but in my opinion, nothing works quite as well as a frog tog when it comes to how quickly it cools you down and how long it stays cool for. I’ve had the same frog tog for years now and it’s still going strong. If you don’t have one I highly recommend you think about getting one!
SPF clothing
SPF clothing allows 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation to touch the skin. Making SPF clothing is an amazing tool for those with Lupus because less sun with be touching your skin allowing you to spend longer in the sun. I have linked a few different clothing options. I have long sleeves, athletic jackets, and a few more SPF pieces that I love and use every time I spend time in the sun.
Living with lupus requires careful management and self-awareness, especially during the summer months when heat and sunlight can exacerbate symptoms. By prioritizing sun protection, staying cool, planning outdoor activities wisely, managing stress, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can navigate the summer with lupus more effectively. Remember to listen to your body, pace yourself, and enjoy the season while taking proactive steps to prioritize your health and well-being.
Other Lupus related posts you should check out!
