Yes, sunburn, but also excess sunlight can trigger a rash and a worsening of
her symptoms (a "flare") Now she doesn't need to hide completely but take it
carefully, cover up where possible (hats and long sleeves) and good
sunscreen
Lyndal

Not sure; what she IS more prone to is flare-ups caused by the excess
exposure to UV. These seem more likely to happen 1 or 2 days *after* the
exposure than immediately. It doesn't happen to everybody, though.

Hi Linda
Certain medications will make a person more prone to sunburn... but with
lupus patients, sunburn isn't usually what we're worried about.  The sun can
make us feel horrible.  After I've been in the sun, I start running a fever,
break out in a rash, overly fatigue, develop nose/mouth sores, etc, etc.  It
can also be a trigger that starts a flare.
It's very important to stay protected in the sun by using sunblock everyday,
staying in the shade (watch for reflection off water, sand, etc), and wear
sun protective clothing such as www.solumbra.com

You didn't mention where you live but the lupus foundation has support
groups around the country.  Some of these groups are very helpful-
especially for the newly diagnosed.

For info,  go to the Lupus Foundation of America site www.lupus.org and read
all the information they have.  It is the most current information available
and you will learn a lot!

Also, either buy or go to the library and get Dr Daniel Wallace's "The Lupus
Book" 3rd Edition and read it cover to cover.

Dr Wallace explains in layman's terms everything you need to know.... just
as the LFA does.  The LFA also offers a magazine called Lupus Now which is
full of great info.

The Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org also has a lot of helpful
information, a magazine Arthritis Today.  There are over 100 forms of
arthritis so there's a lot to learn.

The National Institue of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
offers FREE publications.  Take advantage.  http://catalog.niams.nih.gov/
There is a wonderful lupus booklet which is completely free.  There are many
other pieces of great info also.

Medline: Lupus

offers links to news and resources about the chronic autoimmune disease in
which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes hyperactive and
attacks normal tissue.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lupus.html

Glean your information from reliable sites such as those listed above.

Tell Jill we'd love to have her join us.  There's also a newsgroup
alt.support.lupus which is a great place- lots of great info and support.
Nicole