I was wearing long pants and not in the sun at all. The red blotches are still there 2 weeks later.
August 8
What a rough travel day — long flights and drives can really take a toll, especially with subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE) in the mix. The swelling and red blotches on your lower legs sound like they could be connected to your SCLE, though the prolonged sitting during travel may have also contributed to the swelling.
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What a rough travel day — long flights and drives can really take a toll, especially with subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE) in the mix. The swelling and red blotches on your lower legs sound like they could be connected to your SCLE, though the prolonged sitting during travel may have also contributed to the swelling.
With SCLE, circular red patches with a ring-like border can appear on the legs, often triggered by:
- Lupus flare-ups
- Exposure to UV light (including through airplane windows)
- Certain medications
- Smoking It's really important to get this checked out by your dermatologist or healthcare provider soon, especially since the swelling alongside the rash could need attention. Sudden leg swelling with warmth, pain, or tenderness after long travel should be evaluated promptly, as it can sometimes signal something that needs immediate medical care.
In the meantime, protecting your skin from sun and fluorescent lighting can help manage SCLE flare-ups going forward — think sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats when traveling.
August 8
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