Lupus and tan oh yes you can!

Those of us who have been diagnosed with lupus know of the condition photosensitivity becuase it is a part of our everyday life.  For those of you who are new to the lupus world photosensitivity in very basic terms is an type of allergic reaction to the UV rays put out by the sun.  People with the condition when exposed to sun light can develope a mild to severe rash or type of very exagerated sun burn.  The rash is serious it scars and can cause a host of other problems, and the sun exposure can cause the autoimmune condition lupus itself to flare up.  So to recap if you have lupus the sun is not your friend, thats about enough medical chit chat for one day!

Since being diagnosed with lupus I like a good patient have been avoiding the sun like the plague.  I use sun block, cover my skin, wear hats and stay in the shade as much as I can.  However, and this is a big however, pale is not the new tan. I am 27 years old I do not want to look like the bride of Dracula for the rest of my life!  My moon tan is not giving me that same young and vibrant look that a little time in the sun did.  I have lupus I am not dead over here. 

At first I was discouraged becuase I felt like giving up the sun was another loss for me.  I quickly realized though there are some serious benefits to staying on the lighter side of things.  What you ask?  Oh let me count the ways: less wrinkles caused by sun damage, far less risk of sun related skin cancer, decrease in lupus flares (for me anyway) and less sun damage to my skin like sun spots and uneven pigment.  Great stuff right.  Still even knowing I would look 35 when I was 60 was not soothing all the pain of being so pale.  So once again I did my research and some trial by fire (but this time I didnt get burnt) and found a solution. 

Here it is that ever sought after tip.  If you want sun kissed skin without the sicking effects of photosensitivity use a self-tanner.  There are several at home options available now and the quality will amaze you.  There are a few tricks to use when starting out to get a fool proof tan.  First choose a tanner that darkens gradually so you build your color over time making streaks and mistakes nearly impossible.  Second start out light, you dont want to over do it the goal is to look natural not like a tanorexic memeber of Jersey Shore.  Third, always wash your hands with soap and water if you are using a rub on lotion type product.  And finally shop around and ask questions get the product that you will be confident using. 

The other option for a fast tan is to visit a tanning salon and have a spray tan.  Spray tans are very nice for special events or when you need a quick turn around.  The difference between home and spray tans is someone else does it and its fool proof but it will run you about three times the price.  A typical at home self tanner is seven to twenty dollars and spray tan is 40 -60 dollars so there is an option for every budget.   As you can see staying out of the sun no longer means being condemded to a life of lack luster skin.  Pick a shade and turn up the tan! 

So all my lupus followers out there its time to embrace our bodies and be proud to wear our skin.  Being given a diagnosis of lupus is hard and there are a lot of sacrafices that have to be made.  If you want to live your best lupus life stay tuned for tips and tricks and stay in the lupus loop.