Anyone have tips on sun protection?

Posted by jolinda @jolinda, Sep 11, 2018

I've known that for a long time that transplant patients need to be especially careful when it comes to sun protection because we are more susceptible to skin cancer. In just the last month I have learned about two tips that were new to me:
1. At my annual Dermatologist appointment I learned that I should be reapplying sunscreen every few hours throughout the day. Yikes, I didn't realize this!
2. A fellow kidney transplant patient told me he purchased specialty sun protection clothing for wearing outside. Who knew?
I am wondering if any of you have other tips or tricks for sun protection that are just as valuable. Please share!

MODERATOR'S NOTE
The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect.
– Transplant recipients share their best sun safety tips https://www.mayoclinic.org/CPT-20514169

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

Bob Taub | @tucsonguy | Sep 17, 2018

In reply to @judyth "Good idea, Bob, is tinting costly?" + (show)

I’d say the average for a good tint is $300 to $500.

JK | @contentandwell | Sep 17, 2018

In reply to @tucsonguy "I’d say the average for a good tint is $300 to $500." + (show)

@tucsonguy that’s really a great thing for those of us with sun sensitivity to do, and not that costly when you consider the benefits. I don’t think I will have my current car much longer so I won’t do anything to it but when I get a new one, finally, I absolutely will.
JK

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 17, 2018

In reply to @judyth "Good idea, Bob, is tinting costly?" + (show)

@judyth I am not Bob, but every car I have had for the last 30 years has had a tint put on the windows. Since 2002 I have used the same person, and in fact this Fri he will do my new car. Since I have to go over to my old area for a Dr appt, I'll stop and have him do the windows. Cost will be about $125, comfort and protection is priceless.
Ginger

Scott | @scottb32 | Sep 17, 2018

In reply to @jolinda "Ever since @gingerw mentioned getting sun through the car windows I've found myself being very aware..." + (show)

I use the SPF long sleeve shirts all time living in Florida. In the car I normally have short sleeve shirts and will slip on sleeves only that cover arms. I purchased them online and at Nike outlets. Work great

Judyth | @judyth | Sep 17, 2018

In reply to @gingerw "@judyth I am not Bob, but every car I have had for the last 30 years..." + (show)

Thanks for the info, c I think I’ll check it out!! 👌🏼

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 17, 2018

In reply to @scottb32 "I use the SPF long sleeve shirts all time living in Florida. In the car I..." + (show)

@scottb32 I have seen these, or a simple set of long sleeves cut off an old shirt, kept in the car, works better than nothing ;))
Ginger

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Sep 18, 2018

In reply to @gingerw "@jolinda I got my husband's truck windows tinted after his kidney transplant. Also, don't forget to..." + (show)

Thanks, Ginger! I never even thought of this.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Sep 18, 2018

In reply to @scottb32 "I use the SPF long sleeve shirts all time living in Florida. In the car I..." + (show)

I like your idea of shopping at the outlets! I don’t have outlets nearby, so I shop online for the UVA clothing and accessories. I especially like to go to the sale/close out sections, since the items can be pricey.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Sep 20, 2018

In reply to @contentandwell "@rosemarya Rosemary, you look positively fabulous. You look like a young chick there too! When I..." + (show)

Yes, we do eat out when traveling. I guess I have learned to "try" to make choices (not always easy when eating out). I do the best that I can, and I try to leverage a splurge with a healthy option. I also like to preview the menu ahead of time so we can decide which restaurant to choose. It is not a perfect plan, but it has been working for me. I also get grumpy, if I have to deprive myself of all of the yummy treats.
This year, we were at 7,000-8,500 ft elevation. We did do a lot less hiking this year, though, and they were shorter hikes. I only used my rescue inhaler (exercise induced asthma) on the days that we set out on a hike, and that was only before we set out on a hike. It is anybody's guess as to why, but I think that I am finally learning to pace myself and go slow.
Both me and my husband were more easily worn out and tired, but my niece who is a ranger out there, said that the altitude does have that effect.
Enjoy your trip!

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Sep 21, 2018

I found some interesting information that I would like to share in this conversation. I think that these will show that we are heading in the right direction:-) What do you think?

Sun Hazards in Your Car
https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/sun-hazards-in-your-car

How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays -
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html

Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options -
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/best-sunscreen/art-20045110

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Sunscreen Best Practices -
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-apply-sunscreen-generously-and-frequently-for-full-protection/