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!
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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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@jolinda I don't have new ideas, but I just wanted to say that my husband have 30spf shirts and we love them. We get them at a sporting goods store. We plan to get more in the future!
Blessings,
JoDee
@jolinda I got my husband's truck windows tinted after his kidney transplant. Also, don't forget to wear hats, and sunscreen everyday, even if it is foggy. Wear white cotton gloves when driving; the rays coming through windshield are harmful. Hope this helps!
Ginger
@jodeej
I haven't ordered anything yet but I have looked at a bunch online after learning they exist..
Can you tell me if they are stiff, heavy fabric or are they pretty comfy?
Jolinda
@gingerw
This is a great tip! I never even considered how sunny it can be in a car.
Thanks,
Jolinda
@jolinda they are actually very comfy I got a means long sleeve t-shirt. There are also button up shirts if you want something more dressy looking. I've seen that Duluth Trading even has them with bug spray in them! Lol
@jolinda I have purchased some "rash guard" shirts (I have no idea why they call them that) that have an SPF 50 to wear if I am out in the water on a sunny day. A lot of stores carry them, like Land's End, and the online Speedo site. I have hardly ever worn them though because my best defense is avoidance! I really try to not be in the sun during prime hours, in fact we went to Hawaii last October and I never got the least bit burned due to just not spending time on the beach or out in the sun during prime hours.
The tips about the car are good, I have never thought of those before but so far I have been fine. I am pretty used to avoiding the sun since I have always burned being very fair-skinned. I hate the feel of suntan lotions so that's why I prefer just staying out of the sun for the most part.
JK
@contentandwell I do not like the sunscreen lotions, either, but have struggled to find a few that do not make me feel slimy ;)) As a malignant melanoma survivor, plus other skin cancers, I try to make it a point to keep sunscreen handy. Last year we were on a 2 week camping trip, and sunscreen was used everyday. No sunburn, no redness, and a clear report from dermatologist right after. As a redhead/blue-eyed gal, skincare is important to me!
Ginger
@contentandwell @gingerw @rosemarya do you put on sunscreen every time you go outside, no matter for how long? My husband and I have gone on walks and etc and he hasn't applied any since it was just for a short time. He hasn't had any color, much less a burn. I'm just wondering if we should be more diligent.
I have read a couple of articles, that actually said that a lot of the sunscreen had harmful ingredients ....so I look for all or mostly natural ingredients .
@jodeej Check with what your transplant team or dermatologist recommends. As I have a history of malignant melanoma, I "grease up" everyday no matter what, no matter the weather. And replenish it based on activities during the day.
Ginger