While summer usually means trips to the beach and weekend BBQ’s in the sunshine, it is important to keep in mind how sun exposure and autoimmune disease relate.
Even modest amounts of ultraviolet (UV) exposure (i.e. sun exposure) and excessive heat can aggravate symptoms of autoimmune diseases and, in some cases, even trigger a full-blown flare.
This is especially true in lupus patients. Studies have shown that when people with lupus are exposed to UV light, the production and release of a protein called type I interferon increases.
This protein is a potent driver of inflammation, activating immune cells called neutrophils. These activated neutrophils migrate not only to the skin, where UV light has done direct damage, but they also travel systemically and can cause widespread inflammation, particularly in the kidneys. These observations help to explain why sun exposure is such a dangerous trigger for lupus rashes, as well as kidney and other organ flares
Another study revealed that as temperatures and the humidity rise, there is an association with more severe lupus-specific organ activity. Skin rashes, kidney disease and inflammation of the lining around organs like the heart and lungs (called serositis) were all observed..
A study conducted by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found unique links between women and UV exposure in a subset of autoimmune disease. "This study found that women who lived in areas with higher levels of UV exposure when they developed an autoimmune muscle disease called myositis were more likely to develop the form known as dermatomyositis, which weakens the muscles and causes distinctive rashes, instead of the form called polymyositis that does not have a rash," said Frederick W. Miller, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Environmental Autoimmunity Group, Program of Clinical Research, at NIEHS.
Regardless of your autoimmune disease diagnosis you don’t need to miss out on all of your favorite summertime activities, simply apply caution and protection. Below are some tips to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the summer sun and heat, while still enjoying the fresh air and sunny days of the season.
It’s important to consider: people with autoimmune disease should take precautions to avoid excess UV light exposure all year round, even when the sky is overcast. A surprising amount of UV light is transmitted through cloudy skies. And the sun can be just as strong (if not stronger secondary to reflection off of snow) in winter months.
Keep these five tips in mind for all seasons to keep your autoimmune flares to a minimum.