The American College of Rheumatology uses an 11-item classification index to monitor lupus disease involvement. 4 of the 11 items relate to the skin.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is the umbrella term for lupus that primarily affects the skin. This type of condition can cause rashes or sores (lesions).
The sun typically triggers the rash or lesions and affects areas such as the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. However, sun-triggered lupus can affect skin under clothing as well as internal systems.
There are three major types of skin disease specific to lupus and various other nonspecific skin manifestations associated with the disease:
About 10% of #LupusWarriors experience urticaria, better known as hives. These rashes and lesions are typically itchy. Hives can be caused by allergies. Check with your medical provider to rule an allergic reaction out as the cause. Hives lasting more than 24 hours are likely caused by lupus.
Cutaneous vasculitis is when the blood vessels near the skin become inflamed and ultimately restrict blood flow. This condition can also cause hives and lesions that may itch.
It’s suspected that nearly half of all #LupusWarriors experience sensitivity to sunlight (including artificial lighting) as well as any type of UV radiation. Photosensitivity typically results in the itchy hives and lesions. It can also bring on lupus flares in other parts of the body.
Sun protection needs to become part of daily routine for Lupus Warriors. Both types of UVA and UVB rays can activate lupus. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen, especially one with Helioplex, is ideal to limit the impact of the ultraviolet light.
Looking at sunscreens? It’s best to use a sunscreen at SPF 70 or higher. Clothes only have an SPF of 5. Applying a 70 SPF sunscreen or higher all over the body when spending large amounts of time outdoors is a good way to prevent hives. Also, re-apply as directed on the bottle since sweat and prolonged exposure can cause coverage to dissipate.
Stress is a leading cause of hives. People often describe seeing the onset of hives as a real anxiety-provoking experience, which exacerbates the urticaria.
Essential oils are great when trying to soothe skin and relieve stress. Some lotions have drying alcohols in the formulation, which in the end will not deeply moisturize everyone’s skin. Do not apply the chosen essential oil directly to the skin. Instead, mix it with a carrier oil (a vegetable oil usually non-consumption purposes) according to the directions on the essential oil bottle.
Calamine lotion provides nearly immediate relief from itchy skin. Lotions containing zinc oxide are also known to help. Although it’s for the most part unknown why these two types of lotion deliver fast anti-itch relief, the lotions contain properties that act like an astringent.
There are also sunscreens available with a zinc oxide formula.
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