Sun Sensitivity

I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm not officially diagnosed with Lupus, but my last report from the rheumatologist says "probable Lupus" and "probable Sjogren's Syndrome". I'm just confused!

I'm currently on Plaquenil (300mg a day), Doxycycline, Meloxicam, Omeprazole and Prednisone (on 5mg currently, down from 30mg).

about 2 weeks ago I was out in the sun for 10 minutes and broke out in a raised, red rash that looked like zebra stripes all over my feet and legs. The next day my joints were swollen and I was extremely fatigued and nauseated.

The other day I was waiting for the bus and the sun was out and I developed a bruise-like rash after being in the sun.

Yesterday I was sitting in the sun for a few minutes and then I started feeling really sick, I threw up, severe migraine, dizzy (I have low blood pressure) and extreme fatigue. Today my joints are swollen, I'm tired and just feel flu-like.


I spoke to my GP who said that my zebra stripe rash sounded like solar urticaria. She was going to ring my rheumatologist to discuss this with him, but I haven't heard anything. She said she thought it may be a symptom of my autoimmune disease but could be a reaction to the medications.

I'm wondering if my experience sound like typical Lupus sun sensitivity or does this sound more like drug induced?

Thank you.

Thanks. I'll be keeping right out of the sun from now on! Pretty lame because it's nearly summer here!

Thanks Joy, I use to love summer. I have a feeling this summer is going to suck! How do I check the UV index? I've checked on a few weather websites for my area but I can't see anything. I really like being outside so this is going to be a major downer =[

I don't know if it's sun-induced or drug-induced, but the result is the same - you gotta stay outta the sun! I live in the Sunshine State of Florida, so it's an issue for me all year round. I tried high UVA/UVB sunblock, but I hated how greasy I felt. I've since switched to wearing UPF 50+ clothing instead, and so far it's worked like a charm. I also have a ton of hats, umbrellas, etc that I use to stay out of the sun.

I found out you can buy a special additive to wash your clothes in to make them SPF protective for at least 20 washes. It's made by RIT dyes.

I understand that they report world-wide weather, too.

Joy, thanks for the tip! Those UPF 50+ clothes are expensive, so being able to treat regular clothes with an additive would DEFINITELY save me some moolah.