Can you get sunburned indoors? | Casual UV protection | Sjögren's
I was fully prepared for UV rays when going out, but I was
indoors letting my guard down.
Some UV rays pass through window glass,
and UVA, which is particularly problematic for collagen diseases,
was entering the room more than I expected.
I have been visiting a dermatologist for a year.
Symptoms include facial redness, itching,
a stinging, burning sensation and pain from the back and upper face to the top of the head,
・Rosacea・Cholinergic urticaria
・Skin hypersensitivity due to small fiber neuropathy
are considered to be the cause, and
two types of ointments have been prescribed.
At my last visit, regarding
indoor UV protection,
if your home windows are
not UV-cut glass,
・Stay away from windows as much as possible
・Apply UV cream every two hours as much as possible
I was instructed to do so.
However, I cannot apply sunscreen
that often.
So, I asked ChatGPT the following.
・How much UV radiation is there indoors?
・What are some easy measures to take?
・What measures are necessary for Sjögren's syndrome patients?
I asked for an answer including the basis for these.
First, the conclusion
In a typical home,
・Indoor UV levels are about a few percent to 50% of outdoor levels
・UVB is significantly blocked
・UVA passes through more than expected
are the key points.
What is problematic for patients with collagen diseases is
UVA (long-wavelength ultraviolet rays).
There are two types of ultraviolet rays.
UVB
280–315 nm
Characteristics
• Sunburn
• Skin cancer
• Age spots
causes of
Ordinary window glass
blocks 90–99% or more
of it.
In other words,
it is almost never an issue except near windows.
UVA
315–400 nm
Characteristics
• Photosensitivity
• Active oxygen
• Collagen destruction
• Skin aging
related to
And,
it is known to pass through
ordinary window glass quite easily.
How much gets in indoors?
Studies have shown that
near windows,
about 30–70% of outdoor
UVA
is measured.
On the other hand,
once you are 2-3m away from the window,
it drops sharply.
To visualize it:
By the window
you get a lot of exposure
↓
in the center of the room
you get a little.
Impact on patients with collagen diseases
This is important:
for patients with photosensitivity,
even small amounts accumulate.
For example,
by the window doing
• reading
• computer work
• napping
for several hours every day
as a lifestyle,
results in significant UV exposure
over the course of a year.
How should we think about Sjögren's disease?
Sjögren's disease itself
does not generally have
as strong photosensitivity as lupus.
However,
autoimmune diseases cause
UV-induced
• increase in inflammatory cytokines
• increase in reactive oxygen species
• exposure of autoantigens
to occur, so there is a
possibility that it could become a trigger for worsening symptoms.
In particular,
• facial redness
• skin stinging
• skin hypersensitivity derived from small fiber neuropathy
those who have these should consider taking precautions.
Easy measures you can take
If I were to prioritize them:
1. Avoid being by the window
Most effective
Zero cost
For example,
moving your sofa or chair
1 to 2 meters away from the windowalone
makes a difference.
② UV-cut lace curtains
High cost-effectiveness
Recent products
can alsosignificantly reduceUVA.
For patients with collagen diseases,this isrecommended.
③ UV-cut film
The effect is extremely high
There are productsthat
block 90-99% or moreof
UVA.
④ Morning moisturizing + sunscreen
Prioritize
PA value (UVA protection)
over SPF.
PA+++ to PA++++
is recommended.
In your case,
based on our consultations so far,
・Sjögren's syndrome
・Facial redness
・Small fiber neuropathy-like skin symptoms
・Interest in UV rays
are present.
Therefore,
there is no need to be nervous
indoors, but
“taking measures only by the window where you spend a long time”
is the most rational approach.
Rather than frequently applying sunscreen indoors,
・Moving slightly from your usual spot by the window
・Installing UV-blocking lace curtains
is more effective,
and it won't lower your quality of life.
That's what I was told!
So,when I remember to,
I'll apply PA++++ sunscreen
keeping it up without stress
In fact, I think I'll focus on
things like writing notes I enjoy or tending to my flowers🌷
to the point where I even forget about that
and just focus on those things instead💖
Everyone, please take good care of yourselves💕