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
> My friend Jill was just diagnosed on Friday. Today she was in the sun > for about an hour and is concerned about the effects on sun on Lupus. > Is she more prone to sunburns? > > Thanks, Linda |