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Skin tactility and sun exposure

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Posted 2/9/2017 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Today I am 74 years old. When I was 43 I was diagnosed with SLE and treated with plaquanil and went into submission after about two years. It was not a major flare. Thirty-one years later at the age of 74 lupus is active again. Symptomatically I am bothered with very tactile skin, feels like a thousand currents of electricity attacking my skin, clothes hurt, shower spray is intolerable, much fatigue and secondary to SLE am bothered with Shogrun's Syndrom with eyes feeling like sandpaper. This all started when I went into the garden at noon, unprotected by sunscreen or hat. I usually spend 3 to 5 hours a day gardening. I think the ultra-violet rays triggered the flare. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Silly me, I really thought I didn't have lupus; not after 31 years! Currently treated with plaquanil, 20mg. prednisone and sol-medrol injections every two weeks. Condition has been active for about 5 months but only recently been aggressively treated.
Posted 2/9/2017 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Sabby,

I know when my fibromyalgia acts up clothes literally hurt, it hurts to take a shower. Anything that touches or brushes my skin is excruciating. That's what it sounds like more than lupus to me, you totally could be experiencing this from being in the sun too long. I too have SLE and sjogrens. I was in remission for many years, I was under the impression as well that perhaps I never had any disease, then when my diseases came out of remission they were back worse than ever, I guess to prove to me how wrong I was. I wish you the best of luck.
Posted 2/10/2017 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
I'm very sensitive to the sun so I have to wear sun protective clothing.
If I am outside unprotected I hurt all over and feel weak and sick.
Posted 2/12/2017 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Happy Birthday Sabby and welcome to our forum. Please forgive me but I must say that I am jealous because I'm 59 years old and I have never been in remission. Having confessed, I am very sorry that your Lupus returned. It must have been quite a shock. The joint pain and fatigue can sure be difficult to control. As for your skin issues, I agree with Melissa that since Lupus/fibromyalgia are kinda common companions fibrosis a real possibility. Your rheumatologist will easily be able to make the diagnosis.

Another possibility is the solu-medrol injections. Quick acting steroid injections can almost literally make one's skin crawl. It's done it to me more than once. Be sure to talk with your Doc about your skin and I hope you find relief for all of your symptoms soon. Love, Butterflake
Posted 2/12/2017 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't want to say fibrosis (auto correct grrrr) fibromyalgia
Posted 2/12/2017 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Another thing I remember too is if it's fibro flaring vs. lupus steroids can sometimes either not work or make you feel worse (like Butterflake suggested) if it is your lupus flaring steroids will help immediately. At least this is what I've experienced and what my rheumy has told me when I'm flaring that's one what to tell the difference.

Hope you're feeling better Sabby.
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