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.

@contentandwell

@ca426 I tend to just try to stay in the shade. We are looking into a vacation to a warm place during the winter. An essential for me is that there be shade, not a wide-open beach. We had a perfect vacation in Antigua at one point but I know now I would need to get some immunizations to go there since I am post-transplant so we may try to stay in the states.
I really hate using sunscreen. I only use it when absolutely necessary and so far, so good.
JK

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I, too, was told to avoid the sun, but when you live in sunny Colorado, it’s kind of hard. I do wear sunscreen everyday and wear long sleeves and hats. When all this started for me, I went for a dermatology skin cancer screening and continue to go every year. It’s good to know that someone with expertise looks at all the bumps and spots!

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I have a preference for wearing sun protective t-shirts when I am outdoors. I have recently have found some nice ones in the end of season sales that are long sleeved and - both UV protective and moisture wicking! I wear these for walking, gardening, hiking.
I don't understand why the casual styled UV t-shirts have short sleeves and open necklines. Do you?

Has anyone found any long sleeve t-shirts, with crew neckline that are both UV protective - and - moisture wicking (like runners wear) with the Donate Life logo?

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@rosemarya

I have a preference for wearing sun protective t-shirts when I am outdoors. I have recently have found some nice ones in the end of season sales that are long sleeved and - both UV protective and moisture wicking! I wear these for walking, gardening, hiking.
I don't understand why the casual styled UV t-shirts have short sleeves and open necklines. Do you?

Has anyone found any long sleeve t-shirts, with crew neckline that are both UV protective - and - moisture wicking (like runners wear) with the Donate Life logo?

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@rosemarya I checked the Donate Life website, but did not find anything to match your criteria. I wonder if you contact them, they might have a source for such an item? I wear my Donate Life Recipient Family and Donate Life Voice pins often!
Ginger

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@rosemarya

I have a preference for wearing sun protective t-shirts when I am outdoors. I have recently have found some nice ones in the end of season sales that are long sleeved and - both UV protective and moisture wicking! I wear these for walking, gardening, hiking.
I don't understand why the casual styled UV t-shirts have short sleeves and open necklines. Do you?

Has anyone found any long sleeve t-shirts, with crew neckline that are both UV protective - and - moisture wicking (like runners wear) with the Donate Life logo?

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@rosemarya Where do you purchase the long-sleeved T-shirts? I stupidly just bought a long dress for UV protection from UVSkinz. It's nice, but it has short sleeves! It was on sale, and a final sale so I can't return it either. I guess I will just have to slather my arms with sunscreen. I would like to get a couple of the T-shirts that you mention. UVSkinz does have some good protective clothing. Apparently the husband of the owner passed away from skin cancer so she founded the company.
JK

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@contentandwell

@rosemarya Where do you purchase the long-sleeved T-shirts? I stupidly just bought a long dress for UV protection from UVSkinz. It's nice, but it has short sleeves! It was on sale, and a final sale so I can't return it either. I guess I will just have to slather my arms with sunscreen. I would like to get a couple of the T-shirts that you mention. UVSkinz does have some good protective clothing. Apparently the husband of the owner passed away from skin cancer so she founded the company.
JK

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I bought several shirts that are 30 spf on Amazon. I've also gotten some a local Bass Pro. The one I got for myself at Bass Pro I purchased in the men's department since the women's only had short sleeves. I do believe they have some button down women's that are long sleeved, though.

Blessings,
JoDee

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@contentandwell

@rosemarya Where do you purchase the long-sleeved T-shirts? I stupidly just bought a long dress for UV protection from UVSkinz. It's nice, but it has short sleeves! It was on sale, and a final sale so I can't return it either. I guess I will just have to slather my arms with sunscreen. I would like to get a couple of the T-shirts that you mention. UVSkinz does have some good protective clothing. Apparently the husband of the owner passed away from skin cancer so she founded the company.
JK

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@contentandwell, the everyday/outdoor t-shirts that I like are: Women's Morada Everyday V-Neck T-Shirt UPF 50+
http://www.coolibar.com

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@rosemarya

@contentandwell, the everyday/outdoor t-shirts that I like are: Women's Morada Everyday V-Neck T-Shirt UPF 50+
http://www.coolibar.com

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Thanks, @rosemarya They have some very nice products. Overall somewhat similar to UVSkinz, but UVSkinz has many more swimsuits. I go through a lot of swimsuits.
JK

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I came across a laundry product called Sun Guard on Amazon which is supposed to wash in a sun protection factor of 30 to your clothes. They sell both a washing machine version and a spray bottle version. Has anyone used this product? I would love a review before trying it. If it works it seems like a really easy way to add extra sun protection everyday.

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Always wear a large brimmed hat when in the sun.
Tops of your ears, nose and upper cheeks more susceptible to sun effects.
When on the water remember you can get sunburnt by sun reflection from the water. Always use sunblock over 30 rated.
I had skin cancer surgically removed from my cheek one year post transplant.
On your yearly follow up visit see the Mayo dermatologist. I see a local dermatologist every 6 months since skin cancer and have some pre-cancerous spots frozen.

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@jerrynord

Always wear a large brimmed hat when in the sun.
Tops of your ears, nose and upper cheeks more susceptible to sun effects.
When on the water remember you can get sunburnt by sun reflection from the water. Always use sunblock over 30 rated.
I had skin cancer surgically removed from my cheek one year post transplant.
On your yearly follow up visit see the Mayo dermatologist. I see a local dermatologist every 6 months since skin cancer and have some pre-cancerous spots frozen.

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@jerrynord, Thank you for bring this discussion to our attention! Summer is nearly here, and holidays, and the reopening of recreation areas is an invitation to all of us to get out and enjoy the warm summer days....with sun protection.

My broad rimmed hat is always on my head when I'm in the yard or walking. I have several that I have collected over the years. I lost my favorite one in Yosemite National Park in a parking lot when I left it on the hood of our car. I hope that whoever found it is enjoying it (It had a Donate Life pin on it, too)
You were fortunate that your skin cancer was diagnosed and treated early.

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