Autoimmune disease: sun protection is essential, say experts and Kalil

Sun protection is fundamental care for patients with autoimmune diseases, especially those classified as photosensitive. According to dermatologist Cristina Abdalla, in an interview with Sinais Vitais with Dr. Kalil, the appropriate use of broad-spectrum sunscreens, combined with physical protection - such as hats and clothing -, should be part of the treatment of these patients.

According to the specialist, the set of measures that includes photoprotection and drug treatment is decisive for the patient's clinical improvement. "All this care together with drug treatment, this set of measures will make the patient improve", he stated.

Age group most affected
In relation to the age group most affected by autoimmune diseases, rheumatologist Ana Luisa Garcia Calich explained that, in general, the incidence follows a distribution curve that tends to be concentrated between 30 and 40 years of age.

However, she highlighted that anyone, from children to the elderly, can be affected. "Medicine is not so mathematical, but it is generally more in the range between 30 and 40 years", he highlighted.

Giant cell arteritis: a rheumatological emergency
The specialist drew attention to an autoimmune disease that occurs exclusively after the age of 50: giant cell arteritis. It is vasculitis, that is, an autoimmune inflammation of the blood vessels, which typically affects the temporal artery. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, weight loss, difficulty chewing and fatigue, and scalp pain.

The condition is considered one of the few emergencies in rheumatology, as it represents a real risk of vision loss. According to Ana Luisa, the optic nerve can suffer ischemia - that is, stop receiving adequate blood supply -, resulting in blindness. "If it happens, you only have 24 hours to reverse it," he warned. She added that when vision loss occurs in one eye, the risk of the other eye being affected in the following days or weeks is as high as 50%.

Therefore, any visual change in the elderly, even if temporary - such as the so-called amaurosis fugax, in which vision is lost and returns - must be treated as a medical emergency. The treatment greatly reduces the risk of vision loss, the rheumatologist also added.

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Source: CNN