A 24-year-old woman has revealed how she burns, blisters and even peels after just 15 seconds of sun exposure due to a rare autoimmune disease. Jennifer Broyden, a master's student, developed the condition in 2021 as a side effect of dermatomyositis, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness, pain and a distinctive skin rash.
Her skin becomes extremely photosensitive, triggering a burning, stinging sensation, rashes, blistering, nausea, dizziness, elevated heart rate, and profound sweating. She said: 'Even very short exposure can be dangerous – anything more than about 15 to 30 seconds can start to trigger those reactions.' Even sitting near a window can cause burns.
Jennifer initially struggled to get a diagnosis, with doctors attributing her symptoms to stress or depression. She was finally diagnosed in December 2021 by a specialist who recognised dermatomyositis. Her condition also causes rapid muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and extreme fatigue. Significant sun exposure can lead to her losing the ability to walk within weeks.
She now manages her condition by planning ahead and protecting herself, using measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing. Despite the challenges, she puts her limitations into perspective, recalling that she once fought for a second chance at life and worked hard to walk again. 'Being upset about outdoor activities seems small in comparison,' she said.
