Cream Tea Cafe on New Road

We had an unexpected change of venue for this months coffee and chat. Due to a slight misunderstanding The Courtyard restaurant where we normally meet was fully booked for a breakfast. Fortunately, we were able to relocate at short notice, to a place two doors down and all enjoyed some lovely coffee, teas and cakes at the “Cream Tea”cafe. Everyone (with the help of the Courtyard staff redirecting people) seemed to find us and we had a vibrant and lively meeting with thirteen people coming along.  We’ve spoken to the manager at The Courtyard restaurant and he’s very keen for us to continue to meet there, so we look forward to seeing you all back at our usual venue next month!

SunSense Ultra Sun Lotion

With summer just around the corner (hopefully!) it’s important for us to protect our skin. If you have lupus, then sun cream is available on prescription. Exposure to too much sun can lead to a lupus flare ups for some people (remember that UV levels can still be very high over the summer months even if its not actually hot). A lotion that several of us in the group use and like is SunSense Ultra SPF 50+. This is an Australian sun lotion that is light, non-greasy (doesn’t contain lanolin) and is easy to apply. It’s also available as a roll on.

If you’re suffering from rosy cheeks or the typical lupus facial rash and feeling a bit self conscious  then a green coloured cream make up can help to disguise it. Boots do one in their No. 7   range called Colour Calming Primer for about £10.00 and a green Corrector Stick in their Natural Collection for £2, Clinique also do one called Redness Solutions SPF 15 for £23.

If you’re prone to dry skin then several of us have found that Epaderm cream (available on prescription) helps. Aveeno (also available on prescription) is another cream for dry skin conditions. This doesn’t contain lanolin, but is based on oatmeal and other natural ingredients instead. It was recommended by a dermatologist I once saw and I have found it works well.