It took me months to make the connection between sun exposure and joint pain from lupus. Sun exposure being a trigger for lupus is widely known but for the sun to cause joint pain?
After months of my knees hurting after car rides and developing hot spots after the sun hitting them. I realized I only had this problem when I rode in my sister’s car whose windows were not tinted. I did an experiment where I draped my SPF 50 shirt over my knees during a car ride and I had zero joint pain after the ride and no random hot spots on my knees.
Again everyone knows the sun can flare up a lupus face rash, fatigue, etc. But this is one of the lesser talked about symptoms that should get more recognition in my opinion. Joint pain and hot spots from lupus are extremely uncomfortable and hard to remedy. The best way I’ve found is to just avoid the trigger for them at all costs. For me, that’s been the sun. But obviously, I can’t completely avoid the sun. So I’ve found a few products that help me avoid triggering joint pain and hot spots from the sun. While still being able to receive all the vitamin D and benefits the sun has to offer.
Before we hop into the products I use to protect my skin from the sun I do want to touch on tinting your car windows. I know it can be a big expense but it’s proven to me to be worth it. On top of joint pain and hot spots I can always feel my lupus rash coming out anytime I’m in a car without tinted windows. Even with the extent, I go to of wearing SPF foundation, sunscreen, and a hat. It’s better with my whole routine but having tinted windows makes it to where there’s zero redness, tightness, and uncomfortableness. It’s just something to think about! Next time you’re in the car pay attention and see if it makes a difference for you.
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SPF
Obviously, you always want to start with a good sunscreen just in general. Not only for protecting your lupus skin but also to protect your skin from premature aging from the sun. I’ve raved about this sunscreen on the blog many times. This is the best sunscreen for your face hands down. It’s gentle, doesn’t aggravate my lupus rash, and doesn’t cause breakouts. I know the price can be a little steep so a good alternative would be the cerave AM moisturizer. As for the rest of your body you can choose a sunscreen or wear SPF clothing. Personally I opt for SPF clothing.
SPF clothing
This is one product everyone with lupus should have. A good SPF protective piece of clothing will save the day more times than not. You can find SPF protective gear in almost any clothing style. I never get joint pain or hot spots when I cover my knees while in the sun anymore and it’s all thanks to this shirt. This is an affordable and quick fix to the issues. Especially instead of spending a few hundred to tint your car windows.
SPF umbrella
If you’re just going to be in the sun I love using my SPF umbrella. It’s a cheap and quick fix that you can throw in the back of your car. And whip it out anytime you catch yourself being in the sun. Finding ways to work with my chronic illness took years but finally having products like this makes it easy. And help me never miss out on normal activities due to my chronic illness. Theres so many options for good SPF proof products just take a look at amazon.
Living with lupus is like learning to ride a bike once you’ve got it you don’t have to learn how again. I focus on finding ways to work with my chronic illness instead of against it. And little changes like keeping a UV protective umbrella in my car are simple but save me loads of fatigue, uncomfortableness, possible flares, and pain from the sun. Most importantly I don’t have to skip out on normal activities. The sun is no longer enemy number #1 for me and I couldn’t be happier.
Leave a comment below on how you avoid triggers from the sun. We are always looking for ways to make life with lupus easier and more accessible!
