Fluorescent Lights at Yarn Store

It hit me yesterday while I was enjoying a few hours at the yarn store that the ceilings are full of fluorescent lights, and my heart dropped. When I got home I was tired and achey and my cheeks were bright red. Today I don't feel as well as I did yesterday. I wonder if all the time I spend at the shop have been contributing to the little flares I've been having. I had to double up on prednisone this week because of more inflammation in my joints. If this is the case, I couldn't have gotten worse news. The yarn store is my main social outlet and I so look forward to dropping in to knit with my friends and also to the monthly knit-ins we have. Now I wonder how I can continue hanging out there.

I know that fluorescent lighting has the same UV rays that the sun does so does that mean I can wear sunblock and be protected? I need to find an answer to this dilemma. I'm going to research covers for flourescent lights but imagine they are real expensive

Any ideas?

Are you telling me that fluorescents can cause a flare?? I had no idea! I sit under them at work as I work in the BASEMENT of a university library and they are my only source of light.

I would hate to think that you can no longer enjoy your knitting because of them. Maybe you can confirm the effects with your doc. The joy you get from being with the group might outweigh the risks.

Ti

I found the following site that sells sleeves for fluorescent lights. I'm going to check them out more thoroughly. If these work, Ti, they might be an option for your work situation. Denise, If I had fluorescents in my home, I'd change them out. If you google lupus fluorescents you'll find info that explains the similarities between fluorescents and the sun so it's like working outside. The site is:

www.northsolarscreen.com/html/fluorescent2.shtml

Thanks Barb. Glad you enjoyed them. When I thought your hubby had forgotten your bday I nearly had a fit. I'm so happy he didn't.

I can still knit and go into the shop but if I don't find a satisfactory answer I don't know if I'll feel comfortable spending a lot of time on the sofa. But I believe there's a reason for everything. I'm just glad I finally woke up and looked up at the ceiling.

My dermatologist told me to be aware of fluorescent lighting and to make sure that I wear sunscreen at work. Sure enough, 2 weeks ago I did not wear sunscreen one day because I got to work in the dark. I have turned off the fluorescent light in my office, but I had to work in a different area because of renovations. I planned on putting sunscreen on before I walked out for lunch but before I knew it,my arms started itching and my face got red. I looked down and wala: the rash that I had worked so hard to get rid of on my hands and arms was back! I have become increasingly super sensitive to the sun...and I guess to fluorescent lighting. I think that people at work are starting to think I am crazy. I have recently ordered a lamp for work from Sun solutions. It can be used for light therapy and reading, but emits no UV rays. It is called BlueMax lighting. I'll let you know how it works when I get it.

Pat, I hope the sleeves work for you - I'd hate for you not to be able to spend time at the yarn store. I'm another one who reacts badly to flourescent lights. I wonder if you wore some of those clothes they advertise in Lupus Now that protect from the suns rays if those would help. Let us know how it goes. (((hugs)))