Lupus Rashes From the Sun: Why Sun Exposure Can Trigger Lupus Symptoms

If you’re living with lupus, you may notice that certain things make your symptoms worse. Stress, illness, and lack of sleep are common triggers. But one of the most common lupus triggers is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. 

About 70% of people with lupus have photosensitivity, meaning their skin and immune system have a heightened response to UV light. This includes both UVA and UVB rays from the sun and certain light bulbs (like fluorescent or halogen ones). Even a relatively short exposure to UV light can trigger lupus rashes from the sun and other symptoms of a lupus flare. 

The good news is that photosensitivity doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all the time. Understanding the relationship between lupus and sunlight can help you take steps to protect your skin and reduce flares. 

What is a lupus rash?

A lupus rash is a skin rash caused by lupus-related inflammation. These rashes can appear anywhere on the body. But they often develop in areas exposed to sunlight, like your: 

• Face

• Neck

• Chest

• Arms

• Hands

For some people, a rash is the first sign of lupus. For others, rashes may develop during lupus flares or after spending time in the sun. 

What are the symptoms of a lupus sun rash?

About 70% to 80% of people with lupus experience rashes at some point. For many people, exposure to UV light can trigger a new rash or worsen an existing one.

A lupus sun rash often develops on areas exposed to sunlight, like the face, neck, chest, and arms. Some people notice only changes in their skin’s appearance, while others experience symptoms such as: 

• Pain

• Burning

• Soreness

• Rawness of the skin

Why do people with lupus experience photosensitivity?

UV light damages everyone’s skin cells. Normally, the immune system helps clear away these damaged cells and repair the skin. But in people with lupus, this process doesn’t always work in the same way. People with lupus may be more sensitive to UV cell damage for a few reasons, such as: 

• Their skin cells are more sensitive to damage from UV light. 

• Lupus antibodies may attach more easily to damaged skin cells, causing inflammation. 

• The body may not clear damaged skin cells as efficiently. 

As a result, even a small amount of UV exposure can trigger inflammation, leading to a lupus rash or widespread lupus flare. 

What should you do if you get a lupus sun rash?

If you get a lupus sun rash, don’t panic. Here are three simple steps you can take:

• Protect your body from more exposure to UV light. Find some shade or go indoors. If you’re already inside, find a darker room.

• Continue taking your lupus medications as directed. There’s a good chance that your symptoms will improve quickly. 

• Reach out to your healthcare team if your symptoms worsen or you’re worried. They can help you figure out the next best steps to get you feeling your best again. This may involve new medications or going in for an appointment.

How can you treat lupus photosensitivity?

Treatment for lupus photosensitivity depends on how severe your symptoms are. Mild symptoms may improve just by getting out of the sun, continuing your medications as prescribed, and focusing on prevention (see below).

If a lupus flare-up is more severe, treatments may include steroid creams (like triamcinolone) or steroid pills (like prednisone). If flares are happening frequently despite your best efforts at prevention, your daily lupus medication(s) may need to be adjusted too. 

How can you prevent lupus photosensitivity?

You can’t keep yourself from being photosensitive, but you can lower your risk of lupus flares caused by UV exposure. 

Here are some steps you can take to keep flares at bay:

• Wear sunscreen every day — even when it’s cloudy or you’re spending the day indoors. Choose a sunscreen that’s at least 70 SPF and includes both UVA and UVB protection (read the label on the bottle). Apply it 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors and every 4 to 6 hours when indoors.

• Cover your skin with long sleeves and pants. If it’s hot, choose loose-fitting clothing made of lightweight fabrics, such as linen.

• Seek shade when outside, especially during midday. 

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. 

• Reduce indoor UV exposure by using UV-blocking window shades and choosing lightbulbs that don’t emit UV rays. 

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Written by:

Samantha C. Shapiro, MD

Samantha Shapiro, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist and internist with expertise in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. She founded the division of rheumatology at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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