Sun (UV) Protection Resources

General
1

Today I read a very nice article on the sun (UV) sensitivity in lupus. It repeated the warning that being sensitive to UV rays does not always involve a rash. Photosensitivity can also result in increased "internal" symptoms.

http://lfa-inc.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-health-educators-perspective-sun.html

The article reminded me that if people are new to dealing with photosensitivity, they might find some resources useful. So, I copied some of the resources from an earlier post here.

This list is taken from a publication of the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.og). I initially posted it under a discussion of the extent to which changes in weather trigger flares. I was asked to start a separate discussion on these resources to protect those of us who are photosensitive from ultraviolet rays.

Sun Protection Products

Skin Cancer Foundation

Lists sunscreens and other products that have gotten the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of recommendation for effective UV protection.

www.skincancer.org

Recommended Products

www.skincancer.org/Guide-to-Recommended-Products/Guide-to-Recommend...

PDF of Recommended Products:

www.skincancer.org/images/stories/sealcombined.pdf

RIT Sun Guard© Laundry Treatment

A powder that when added to the washing machine will make regular clothing sun resistant to SPF 30. Lasts at least 20 washings; available in many drug and grocery stores.

1-866-■■■■■■■■
www.sunguardsunprotection.com

Sun-Resistant Clothing and Accessories

www.sunsolutions.com

www.sunprecautions.com

www.splashskins.com (for kids)

www.sunprotectionswimwear.com

UV-Blocking Films

1-888-■■■■■■■■ (Scotchtint© and Scotchshield© products)
www.3M.com or www.gilafilms.com

Fluorescent Bulb UV Filters

www.solar-screen.com

www.pegasusassociates.com/UVtubeguard.jsp

www.encapsulite.com/fluorescenttubeguards.htm

Sun Protective Fabric & Shields (UV-resistant fabric, shade tents, umbrellas, etc.)

www.coolibar.com

www.sunbrella.com

www.spffabrics.com

2

Thanks a lot for the info. A couple of sites did not open for me, but most did. Again, thanks!

3

Thank you for the information. This info is invaluable to us! The sun protection fabric treatment will save us money and help tremendously.

4

Where do you get the sun protective clothing in Alpharetta, Ga. I have a pool in the backyard and am always in the pool during the summer. Usually in the afternoons when the sun goes down. I was recently in Grand Caymen, sat on the beach for about 4 hours, got burnt and funny never hurt. In a couple of days it went away. Really funny.

5

Thank you so much for the info. I was diagnosed 15 months ago. I do get a rash and my skin itches but I grew up in Savannah GA and love being outdoors. I found a great sunscreen from Neutrogena, a cream that has SPF 100 and a spray at 70. Remember the number means how long you can wait before reapplying. We went to San Antonio over Spring Break and they worked great for me. I will definitely look at some of the links, especially the car and the lighting items. Thanks again for all the links!

6

How do You know if it It's affecting You internally Do You just have flare ups

7

Thanks Ann,

I saw my Rheumy yesterday and got wonderful news. My kidney numbers are back down to a normal range from being 14,000 to 250 mg protein. That said, because I live in the desert she was ADAMANT that I cover from head to toe every time I leave the house. I am trying to find a dry spray sunscreen so that I don't feel oily. She said that exposure to the sun can cause the kidney problems to resurface as well as all of the other symptoms that will likely not go away. It's difficult as I am a SoCal girl and never even had shoes with toes in them until I moved. The fewer clothes the better, lol.

Again, thanks for the info. It makes it doubly important to take our daily VitD.

DeAnne

8

Way to go Ann! How long did the process take?

9

=)

10

Ann thanks for sharing all of this wonderful info. with us!