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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Vitamins & Recommendations for lots aof walking ans sunlight exposure?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chattanooga, TN

Hi I am outside in the heat and sun and have to walk around for basically all day for my job. I have been strugglinh with an increase in flare ups because of this. I was wondering if there is any general advice on how to limit flares ups. And if there are any vitamin recommendations to help. I wear sunscreen and I do pace my self and take breaks. So I'm really just looking for tips and tricks!

September 3
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Do you use a good spf especially being directly in the sunlight? How much water do you drink?

September 7
MyLupusTeam

Working outdoors all day with lupus is genuinely tough, and it's great that sunscreen and pacing are already part of the routine! Here are some extra tips and tricks that may help reduce flare-ups:

Sun & Heat Protection
- Upgrade sunscreen to SPF 70–100 with broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) coverage and reapply every two hours
- Show Full Answer

Working outdoors all day with lupus is genuinely tough, and it's great that sunscreen and pacing are already part of the routine! Here are some extra tips and tricks that may help reduce flare-ups:

Sun & Heat Protection
- Upgrade sunscreen to SPF 70–100 with broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) coverage and reapply every two hours
- Wear sun-protective clothing (look for UPF-rated fabrics) — lightweight and breathable options exist
- Add a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses
- Try to stay in shade during breaks, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest
- Carry a cooling towel soaked in cold water — several MyLupusTeam members swear by this on hot days
- Keep an iced water bottle on hand to stay cool and hydrated

Tracking Tools
- Some apps let you input your skin type and sunscreen SPF to track how long it's safe to be in the sun — worth checking out! A note on medications: Some common lupus medications, including certain NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, can actually increase photosensitivity. It's worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any current medications might be making sun sensitivity worse.

On vitamins: This is really a conversation to have with your rheumatologist, as vitamin needs can vary a lot depending on current medications and lab results. For example, some lupus medications can affect nutrient absorption, so personalized guidance is important here.

The most important step is looping in your care team about the increased flares — they may be able to adjust treatment to better support an outdoor lifestyle. 💛

September 3

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