Lupus and Pain ..Computer can trigger pain

[Guest guest]

Pain is triggered by many things when you have lupus. The main triggers

are the weather .. and the sun. Photosensitivity is one of the most

aggravating triggers of the disease. It doesn't take much exposure to

ensure a reaction of pain.

UV rays from the sun can trigger reactions in the skin in the form of a

rash, or purple spots under the skin called pupura, but will also cause

muscle and joint pain.

People with Lupus must also be aware of " hidden " UV rays as in

Fluorescent lighting. If you work in an area with fluorescent lighting,

then you should be wearing a sun screen even while working inside the

building. Most fluorescent lighting can be covered with a protective

Plexiglas panel that allows light through but not the radiation that

triggers the pain. There is a UV protective panel available for

fluorescent lighting fixtures but because of cost, it is usually not

installed in offices and stores.

Computer screens also give off small amounts of UV radiation. Most

people are not affected by it, but people with lupus or other photo

sensitivities should take precautions. Especially if you are in front of

the screen for long periods of time (more than an hour at a time, for

days in a row).

The best thing you can purchase to help eliminate the problem is a

monitor anti-glare screen that fits over the monitor itself. It knocks

down the glare as well as blocks the UV rays. 3M company makes several

different kinds.

(To see a picture of the product, see attachment.

Or go to http://www.shoplet.com/office/db/MMMBF20XL.html )

Limiting yourself to short periods of time in the sun will help

eliminate some of the pain, but wearing sunscreen is a must! Sunscreen

should be at least 30 SPF, with 45 SPF being a better choice.