People with RA or lupus are at increased risk

Nearly 6.5 million Americans have wounds that take months or even years to heal. Many of these wounds are a consequence of diabetes, which damages blood vessels and interferes with normal skin repair. But new research from Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., points to another cause: autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and lupus.

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Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can worsen symptoms of cutaneous lupus (CLE) and people with lupus may experience “photosensitivity.” The researchers interviewed CLE patients about their photosensitivity to help determine its effects on quality of life. Based on patient responses about their history of photosensitivity, patients were classified into one of three groups for purposes of comparison. Over half of all CLE patients included in the study reported experiencing photosensitivity, which had varying effects on quality of life. The results indicate that clinical interview questions can identify CLE patients with photosensitivity. Compliance with recommendations to avoid UV light exposure continues to be warranted in CLE patients.


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