With summer hopefully coming up, and having recently returned from the Canaries myself, here’s a reminder on taking care of your skin in the sun.
Stay out of the sun if at all possible especially between 10am - 3pm. Remember that even out of the sight of open sky, some surfaces will reflect UVR (Ultra Violet Radiation) including beach sand, white paint, light coloured concrete, snow, water and to a lesser extent soil.
Use a high SPF (sun protection factor) Sunscreen. 35 - 60 are recommended. A dermatologist should be able to recommend which of a number of sun creams is available to you as a kidney patient on prescription from your GP. Choose one that suits you.
Use the sunscreen and reapply it frequently. Sunscreen washes off after swimming/towelling or on clothes. Remember that the SPF is NOT the amount of time in minutes or hours that you will be protected. It is a multiple of the normal time it takes to burn e.g. SPF 10 means that it will take you 10 times as long to burn than without any protection.
Wear a wide brimmed hat such as a fishing hat, or cricket hat. Small children are well protected by specially designed ‘legionnaire’ style desert caps or adapted baseball caps which have extra protection for the neck and ears. These are hard to get for adults in the UK but a good quality handkerchief or bandana can double up to provide your own in combo with a baseball cap, and will give a personalised style!
Hats such as these are now compulsory uniform in some Australian schools, and who knows better about sun protection!
Ensure that any hats, clothes etc worn as part of sun protection cannot be seen through. If, when held up, you can see through the material with ease, they are close to useless. However, always pay special attention to protecting your face and neck with sunscreen, and wear UV proof sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Wear long sleeves and trousers as opposed to shorts and a T-shirt. Silk is usually a good choice as it has a fine weave which blocks light and is a natural material that allows the skin to breath. Specialist UVP (ultra violet protection) clothing with a BS (British Standard) rated SPF is available from some suppliers. A search online provides a number of UK suppliers.
If you visit sunnier countries, make sure your sun block is up to date and that you have enough for your trip. Unused sun block should be stored in a cool, dark place (I use the fridge for mine) and not kept longer than a year.
Keep hydrated. Yes, even those on fluid restrictions (depending on how well you keep yours, and your level of activity) *may* need to drink a little more in the heat. Transplant patients should certainly aim to avoid dehydration and should generally drink plenty unless advised otherwise by their doctors.
Look after your skin now and you may well avoid problems in the future.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 22 January 2005
Last updated: 6 May 2008
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