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Anyone have tips on sun protection?
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
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I have specific clothing with uv protection and use sunscreen all the time when outside. My choice brand of sunsreen is Neutrogena 100+ broad spectrum. Reaply every 80 minutes as directed. Have only had one precancerous spot removed by my Mayo dermatologist!
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2 Reactions@guidant07, I like to use a nongreasy version on suncreen on a daily basis, and especially on face and neck. For active times, I like to use a sport version, a trick I learned from one of our sports coaches.
@guidant07, @jerrynord,
Have you ever heard of or used a laundry product called Sun Guard which is supposed to wash in a sun protection factor of 30 to your clothes. @jolinda mentioned it in an earlier post.
Never heard of sun guard. Will have to look into that.
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1 ReactionSummertime and warmer weather leads to Outdoor Activities. As Transplant Patients, we know that we need sun protection.
How about a quick review of sunscreen options from the experts at the Mayo Clinic who start by saying, "The best sunscreen is one that you'll use generously and according to label directions."
If you don't like to read, view the Mayo Clinic Minutes about SPF and UPF in clothing.
Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options
Click on this to open - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/best-sunscreen/
What are your thoughts? How comfortable are you about venturing outdoors? What would you like to share about your personal experience?
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1 ReactionUV skins has shrugs! They are long sleeved and really good looking on.
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1 ReactionAlso, Walgreens carries La Roche - Posay, Anthelios Sunscreens. They have been rated the top sunscreen by the ABDermatology. I use the SPF 60, it is cooling, light and soaks in right away. It’s nice to reapply because it doesn’t seem to build up and is cooling. Also, they have several different types including mineral sunscreens, plain or tinted.
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4 Reactions@lizzy102, It sounds like you have found a sunscreen that you like and that works well for you! I might be interested in looking at the option with the tint at some time in the future. Thanks for the information.
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1 ReactionThank you for these recommendations -- I was thinking of posting a similar question.
@dstavro5, I would like to Welcome you to Mayo Connect. My transplant was 11 years ago. Before my transplant, I was a sometimes sunscreen user. Since my transplant, I am very careful to adhere to the advice of my transplant team by using sunscreen as a routine practice on a daily basis. It is now a habit for me.
How can I help you to find answers about your sunscreen usage? Have you recently transplanted?
@dstavro5 Like you, for a long time I did not apply sunscreen. And growing up, it was just not something that we even thought about, much less had to use. I remember using baby oil to promote suntanning. Take it from me, a red-haired gal, I had several bad sunburns. Fast forward to today, and I remember to put on sun protection. Why? Because I didn't take care of my skin, didn't practice good protection, and have had skin cancer, up to and including malignant melanoma. It's no picnic. There are sunscreens that do not feel greasy, and ones that are tinted.
Ginger