Lupus and Summer Weather Sun and heat exposure can cause symptoms to flare up because when UVA or UVB rays hit the skin, inflammation in the cells naturally occurs and often sets off a chain reaction of other symptoms.
Researchers have shown that lupus tends to flare in spring and summer, when the days are warmer and sunnier. If you're outdoors, try to limit most of your activities to before 10am or after 4pm, which are the hottest hours of the day and when the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest.
For many Lupus patients when their body has an increase in temperature, it causes their nerves to conduct electrical signals less efficiently. Messages are slower to and from the brain. Heat further slows, and can stop the communication from the brain and spinal cord.
Environments that may trigger lupus symptoms include those with: extreme heat. extreme cold. high wind.
A fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit affects many people with lupus. The fever is often caused by inflammation or infection.
For many people, soaring temperatures and high humidity levels can also prompt symptom flare-up, causing acute fatigue, increased joint pain, weakness, and difficulty thinking. To avoid heat-related flare-ups, stay in an air-conditioned or well-cooled environment.
Heat intolerance and overheating are common complaints for those living with lupus. Even when the weather is cool and physical activity is low, SLE can cause a number of body temperature related effects – from unusual sweating to low-grade fevers.
Photosensitivity is common in people with lupus: 40% to 70% of people with lupus will find that their disease is made worse by exposure to UV rays from sunlight or artificial light.
Emotional stress -- such as a divorce, death in the family, or other life complications -- and anything that causes physical stress to the body -- such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth -- are examples of triggers that can set off lupus or bring about a lupus flare.
With age, symptom activity with lupus often declines, but symptoms you already have may grow more severe. The accumulation of damage over years may result in the need for joint replacements or other treatments.
Sun-sensitivity symptoms can show up several days or even a few weeks after heavy sun exposure. Only about one out of three lupus patients is sun-sensitive. If you don't know if you are, or are not, sun-sensitive, it's OK to try a little (early morning, late afternoon) exposure for a few minutes.
If you have lupus, you should avoid sun exposure, as this can lead to rashes, arthritis flares or even serious inflammation of your organs.
Heat: Heat helps decrease joint pain or swelling. Apply heat on the painful joint for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Ice: Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage.
Inflammation: Any time your body is experiencing excess inflammation, such as during a lupus flare, you will feel more tired. Anemia: Anemia occurs when your red blood cell count gets low. This means that the amount of oxygen going to your organs will decrease, which can increase your level of fatigue.
Studies suggest weather changes and air pollution may impact lupus symptoms. Specific changes, like temperature and humidity fluctuations, appear only to affect flares involving certain systems, such as the kidneys or lungs.
People with lupus are at increased risk of developing infections. The most common infections for people with lupus include those of the respiratory tract, skin and urinary system.> Medical treatment for infection may be longer for a person with lupus than for the general population.
Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, can be aggravated by exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays, causing a sudden and severe onset of redness, heat, pain, or swelling. Spending time in the heat can also cause increased fatigue and dehydration, which can worsen joint pain.
Prepare for long-distance travel
Some people with lupus are also at higher risk for developing blood clots when they sit too long. Try to stop for stretch breaks every hour during long drives and stand up and move around regularly during long flights.
Many people with lupus have problems with their joints. Low-impact activities can be easier on your joints and bones and make activity feel more comfortable. Walking more is a great way to start!
Get Enough Rest to Prevent Fatigue
If you have lupus you may need even more sleep. “It's important to develop good sleeping habits,” says Jolly. “It can really make the difference in getting a good night's sleep.” Take time to relax before bedtime.
Reduce stress and tiredness
A daily walk or swim, for example, can lower stress, clear your head, improve your mood, and help fight tiredness. Use meditation, yoga, or guided imagery to relax. Get plenty of rest. Some people with lupus need up to 12 hours of sleep every night.
Hair loss is common in people living with lupus. The autoimmune disease causes body-wide inflammation that attacks the joints and skin, including the scalp. This can result in hair loss (alopecia ). Lupus-related hair loss can occur slowly, causing hair to become noticeably thinner gradually.