Thank You, Selena Gomez, for Talking About Sun and Lupus
Oh summertime, how you have come in full force. For many of us, it means going to the beach, amusement parks, picnics and just spending time in the sun. But for us lupies, people living with the autoimmune disease lupus, the sun is our arch-enemy, as it causes a wealth of side effects.
Recently, Selena Gomez did a great video that was posted to @lupie.life’s Instagram page to where she spoke up about lupus and the sun, and I must say, “Yassssss sis!” She was not only spot on about what it is like for many of us, but the comments were very uplifting as well!
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In her video, she says, “I have lupus, an autoimmune disease, and I can’t spend a lot of time in the sun. I break out into hives.” That part immediately resonated with me as I’m currently in a hive flare up from extreme heat and sun where I live. The skin condition that comes with lupus is very unpredictable and uncomfortable and can happen from even just the slightest amount of sun and heat.
Lupies, along with other autoimmune patients, have to be extra careful. While we may want to spend hours at the pool or on the beach, or riding rollercoasters all day, sometimes we simply cannot. The sun is very dangerous for us because of our autoimmunity and the meds we take for our conditions. Don’t be surprised if we decline certain activities because they are outdoors in the sun and heat. Or if we do come we are in long sleeves, big hats, slathered in SPF 100, and big sunglasses. We have to protect ourselves as best we can.
And for those who want to enjoy the outdoors, there are a lot of great products out there that can make navigating summer a bit easier. Selena definitely makes mention of this in her video, which is a huge plus!
Thank you, Selena, for your mention of lupus and sun — you have brought awareness in more ways than you know!
Image via Instagram.
I suffer from a wide variety of chronic conditions and every day is a new journey. I do not have much understanding or support from family and I have very few friends left. I find myself battling doctors time and time again to hear my voice all because I am young, minority and female. I am beginning to accept that my life is changing and not always for the worse. Being chronically ill has allowed me to see things differently, grow in my faith and help others who are just starting out. Follow my journey @ChronicallyStrong on Facebook and on tumblr: simplelittlebrowngirljae.tumblr.com.
jaecobb