Getting sick after sun exposure

Mornin' @windyshores

Interesting! I have been told that this "over reaction' to sunshine, is part of my "autoimmune array"...!
When I have messed up and had sun exposure, I get a headache and feel 'like I've had too much sun' - achey, fluish
But the main problem is the skin reaction of huge very red welts that are painful and leak clear fluid and the skin is covered with tiny pimple-like rash - which is more like an allergic reaction. { I am hyper-reactive to everything, including unfortunately medications]
To counter this, I use mineral-only sun screen - never the chemical ones. I wear 'Coolibar" arm sleeves. These cover my arms past the elbows and extend over the hands and up to the first knuckle. When driving, the fingers are curled over the wheel, so are in a shadow. These are very cool, easy to slip on and are American made, so would be cheaper in the States. I keep them in the glove compartment, ready for use. [don't buy the white as they get dirty so easily]. Oh, and a large sun hat with brim, large sunglasses, and my mask.... very attractive!
Sunshine has a strange feeling on my skin, like a carpet of tiny needles that burns within three minutes.
This has worsened over the years. As a child, I was just "easy to burn"; as a teenager, I didn't tan, just burned - I am fair- skinned, blue eyed, and was [!] blonde --- just a genetic 'recessive mess'.
I enjoy summer in the shade!

@thisoldewe arm sleeves is a great suggestion. My car air conditioner doesn't really work but I cover up anyway.

My rheumatologist expects a rash. In fact one time, 20 years ago, I got an angry smooth red rash on one hand and on my face with intense sensitivity to even a sheet or light breeze, and very intense sun sickness. That was the first time- and I had been out in the sun holding a sign.

They biopsied the rash and the results were lupus or dermatomyositis. But I don't have cutaneous lupus- do you?

Beach at 5pm!!!!

Sunscreens are a big challenge- I react to all the ones I try. Just put a little on my lower arms and it is bothering me. What sunscreen have you found that doesn't have chemicals? Titanium?

Being a "sun worshiper", I have paid the price! I have many auto immune-MS,Lupus, RA, Sjogrens, other related, treated w/Rituxan & constant antibiotics. Over 45 yrs, I MUST have a sunblock on-including overcast days, wear long sleeve sunblock shirts when hiking/kayaking, hat & sunglasses & do try to limit my exposure during brutal x's of day to avoid flares. I am a person who is outside all the time, so I just put thought into cover ups. Otherwise, nausea, headaches, bodyaches, rash, as if I am recovering from flu for a few days each time. Not worth it. Sunscreen up every hour, hat w/you all the time, buy a uv shirt & enjoy!

@windyshores
I had a 'genetic blood test', which "looked at the DNA". This was about 8 years ago - no doubt there is something better now. This blood test cost me $30, which in Canada is very rare to charge for anything., but there was a charge because this was "so new, and involved a DNA screen".
The results: "This test looked at "your DNA" and you do not have Lupus. " .... just the symptoms! So these reactions are deemed to be a part of my "autoimmune array".
Sunscreen: there was one product I used with success. I gave it to my son, since I am not outside much anymore.[he too has reactions to sun]. The name is something like "Emma" , "Elma." It came from a pharmacist in B.C. Sorry I will have to find out - will let you know if still available.
I have opted for using 'cover-up' rather than risk any problems to products, which over time, I seem to develop reactions to. This year I have been hit hard with my 'array", so have not been outside, other than my shaded porch.
The beach sounds lovely... take in a deep breath for me!! Enjoy!

Yes I am not using sun screen. I tried it today on a small area and it's a no.

"Autoimmune array" is interesting.

My rheumy wants to do a bunch of tests to make sure no internal damage. I wrote back that it seems like I only get the same positives every time but thanked her for being thorough.

Too bad, this summer I am not near the beach!! Thanks for your answers!

The amount has increased (CIDP) since the vaccine for covid came out!

@ginger344 wrong thread?

i know other people who have a similar reaction.

i find the type of sunscreen i use makes a difference. i need to use hypoallergenic ones. I have no idea if this info is relevant to your situation. Sorry you have such unpleasant symptoms from the sun

@windyshores I also have Systemic Lupus, diagnosed in 1988. They consider it a fairly mild case, but the symptoms can still be offputting. I use a facial sunscreen, usually a tinted moisturizer. I use different sunscreens on my arms. Due to my other health conditions, I get amazing bruises on my arms, and discoloration. Yes to wearing sunscreens and long sleeves!

One thing that has helped me over the years is to have my car windows tinted. I carry a prescription from my doctor stating this is needed due to my high sensitivity to sunlight/UV rays. It's been a long time since I was stopped for my dark window tint, but I have fought every ticket, and won.

Making sure we stay hydrated, and for me, making sure I keep air moving around me can really help. The sun and UV rays heat up our skin, causing blood to come to the surface to try to cool us down. So, we then feel light-headed and tired.

Hoping this helps?
Ginger