Tanning

For most of us, Lupus and common lupus meds make us hyper-sensitive to the sun, so tanning would make our Lupus WORSE.

Most rheumies recommend we stay away from the sun and far away from a tanning bed, as it causes flares for so many of us.

If your lupus or your meds have changed since last you tanned, I would think very carefully before I tried it again.

I can't say anything for tanning beds specifically, since I was diagnosed at a young age I've never been in a tanning bed. But, being out in the sun for too long, as Lynnwood said, tends to send me into a flare. This past summer however, I would put sunscreen on, and then go outside for maybe 20 minutes a day. It wasn't enough to get any color but I noticed a MAJOR improvement in my skin. It was less flaky and itchy, and my acne cleared up quite a bit. So it will obviously affect each person differently, but in my experience a little sun exposure goes a looong way.

Rhuemysaid no tanning! I am so sad because my boyfriend has a place at the lake, he loves to fish and be out on the boat in the spring and summer. How am I going to fit in to his lifestyle if I have to stay out of the sun? I thought that was just for Lupus??? I supposedly dont have Lupus... I have MCTD... I am having a hard time following this... Especially because I found my skin to be in better condition when I was tanning. I don't know... I am so confused and discouraged!