How common is photosensitivity in lupus?
The American College of Rheumatology loosely defines photosensitivity as “a skin rash as a result of unusual reaction to sunlight.” Using this definition, photosensitivity has been identified in one-half to three-fourths of people with systemic lupus. In people with cutaneous lupus, photosensitivity affects 50 percent of those with discoid lupus and 70-90 percent of those with subacute cutaneous lupus. How does photosensitivity show up in lupus? • Sunlight can cause new skin lupus lesions (sores). • Flares of internal lupus disease, including joint pains and fatigue, can also be triggered by sunlight. • Some medications increase the effects of the sun on a person’s body. People with lupus taking these drugsincluding tetracycline antibiotics and many othersmay also very occasionally develop “phototoxic” reactions. These will lead to easy sunburning, so if you are taking these “photosensitizing” medications, you will need extra protection against sunlight. Ask your doctor or pharmacist i
