How Lupus Sufferers Can Still Enjoy a Great Summer Vacation

This summer brings, as all do, the opportunity for beach parties, camping adventures, travel and fun-in-the-sun. While most people nearly salivate at the prospect of taking time off to relax and enjoy themselves, others cringe as the wonder how the heat and sunlight will affect them. They're already on restrictions and medications anyway, not fully understanding what their malady is or why it's attacked them.

These are victims of lupus. Named after the Latin for "wolf," this is a disease in which an overactive immune system, for some reason, attacks the healthy organs of the body through their connecting tissues. Once considered fatal, research over the last thirty years has brought relief and longevity to many sufferers.

Of the two major types of the disease, the one known as "discoid" is more often the summer-spoiling culprit for many victims (systemic lupus erythematosis, or "SLE", attacks the internal organs and can be more serious). This particular version of the malady causes the skin (the largest organ of the human body) to become more light-sensitive, thus prone to burning and lesions.

But that doesn't mean that a patient can't get out there and enjoy herself (lupus attacks more women than men) in the surf and turf. In fact, with a few proper guidelines, the experiences can be just as fun and fulfilling as for a non-sufferer.

The first thing to remember is the obvious: Stay away from alcohol and smoking. While this is good advice for every person, it's doubly important for lupus patients. Both of these vices tend to break down the immune system, and rob the body of important nutrients that are needed to combat the disease. They can also wreak havoc on the effect of necessary medications, such as prednisone and cortisone ointments.

Also, patients should restrict their consumption of juices containing fast-acting sugars. Since lupus appears to attack the kidneys first, the increase in sugar can contribute to their breakdown. The same can be true for caffeine; therefore, switching to a tall, refreshing, ice-cold glass of decaffeinated tea may just hit the spot! For the lupus patient at dinnertime, fish is infinitely better than steak due to its protein. If you're at the beach, this should be no problem at all (you'll see more fish than cows, anyway, right?). Include a lot of veggies at the dinner table, too -- especially raw ones.

Of course, what's a vacation without the "fun-in-the-sun" that was mentioned? Lupus patients can enjoy their time in outside activities just as anyone else, but there are a few things to remember: First, before going to the sandy seaside, they should be sure to put on a UVA sunblock with a high SPF factor (most doctors recommend one with an SPF of 60). Remember, the skin is especially light-sensitive in discoid sufferers and needs the protection. Since the scalp is especially vulnerable, a hat of some kind (preferably with a visor or "bill") is vital.

While some patients show light symptoms and can try their hands at games like volleyball, others with more pronounced symptoms would probably feel better with walking, biking, miniature golf, or the like. It's also necessary to limit the amount of time spent in the sun itself, and to stop periodically for inside rest breaks. Keeping themselves properly hydrated, with water or the decaffeinated tea, is also important. If patients have problems with joint inflammation during their outside activities, taking fish-oil supplements (tablets or "gels") can help alleviate the suffering.

When they return home, they should be sure to schedule a check-up with the doctor, then repeat the check-up every six months. This will ensure that the discoid lupus hasn't "turned inside" to become the systemic kind.

Remember: proper cover, rest, sensibility and moderation are the keys to fulfilling vacation activities. If you have lupus and do these things, you can have a happy and memorable excursion, no matter where you go this summer!