I did a stupid thing

[OldFatChick]

I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, undifferentiated connective tissue disease and Sjogren's Syndrome.  I was tournament director last Saturday for an archery tournament.  I was in the sun all day (9 hours) .and a couple of days later a disc shaped rash developed on my stomach.  It is raised, itchy and is a little scaly. Then this morning my rib cage and all across my upper back feels as though I have been beaten with a stick.  Is this related to being in the sun?  If so I am a cave dweller from now on.

[TrudieC]

Sorry to say but if there are any Lupus involvement in your disease then the sun can definitely cause this.  Too bad we can't get our ANA tested when we're feeling like this as it might give the answers the doctor is waiting for.  Not only can you get the rash but you can definitely flare throughout your body.  Yep, welcome to the world of vampires!

[OldFatChick]

This bites, lol.  The only good to come of this may be getting my boss to leave me alone when it comes to outdoor activities.  I have been feeling so good lately.  I was hoping it would last a while.  Maybe this will go away after a few days. The only issues that were still bothering me were the tendonitis in my right elbow and the neuropathy in my feet..  Other than those I was great.  Lots of energy, mostly pain free.  To think one day in the sun could make such a difference.  

[AireScottie]

You can get rash with Sjogren's as well.  I haven't seen it listed as being from sun exposure, but that's when I get mine.  I'm alright out walking the dogs, or short periods in the sun, but if I stay out for hours on a cool sunny day, I get hives and a rash on the exposed skin.

[OldFatChick]

This one is on my stomach.  No direct exposure to the sun. I had one just like it in the same place several months ago, but I can't remember whether I had been in the sun before that one.  It is just one spot.  Itchy, scaly , red and painful.

[TrudieC]

The area where the rash is does not have to have been exposed to the sun.  By being in the sun it can cause you to flare up and cause pain or rash, etc.  You should have it checked out by your doctor as it also might help you get a definitive diagnosis.

[OldFatChick]

I'll have to see if I can get in while it is still here.  Thanks much for the input. I appreciate it.

[SickMomma_PDX]

Take a photo!!

Especially if you can't get in to see the doc quickly, it will help "prove" what you had. I've had the frustration of a rheumy who doesn't really believe anything he hasn't seen for himself. And since I can never get an appointment with him in less than three weeks, I've taken to photographing weird rashes.

Plus, it will help if you change docs so they can see the record of your rashes and what they really looked like.