The sun, it burns!!!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi all

I'm a pale red head who goes outside for five minutes and burns. This summer I will be working in the medical unit of a local amusement park and need sunscreen advice. I have tried just about every drug store sunscreen with no luck. Does anyone have the same problem or have any advice on what sunscreen brands work well? Please help!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

I have PMLE (Polymorphic light eruption which means my skin turns into a blistery bubbly itchy rash after just a few minutes of sun exposure!) and I ride a bicycle for days at a stretch in the sun so I have to something that will not only not let me burn, but won't even let me tan. In addition it has to last for hours, I have to be able to sweat through it, and it can't be greasy. Tall order? Yup - but I found the stuff...

http://www.solsunguard.com/kindersport.html

Not the cheapest, but worth every penny! I have a local bike shop which sells it and will be happy to mail order it to you if you cannot find it anywhere else - PM me if you need the info.

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You need a good sun-hat too. They also make very lightweight breathable long sleeved t-shirts that won't make you roast in the sun.

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Specializes in NICU.

I want that job!!! That sounds fun!

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That does sound like a fun job!

Make sure to reapply the sunscreen often. I don't think they're meant to last all day, especially if sweating.

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Specializes in Multiple.

You might find the following links useful http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/features/2000/400_sun.html

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/moles-and-dysplastic-nevi/page5/print?page=&keyword=

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf

Applying suntan lotion with a high SPF every couple of hours and wearing clothing that is closely knit or even has the ability to block out UV rays will be best. Hats and sleeves are very important.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1x_Protect_Your_Skin_From_UV.asp?sitearea=PED&viewmode=print&

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

It might also be worth checking with your PCP or a dermatologist. There might be new prescription meds available for this problem.

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Have you tried the SPF 70 sunscreens? I'm another redhead who burns quickly and they work well for me, even when I'm outdoors all day. I have Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sunblock SPF 70 but there are other brands as well. VMV Armada has an SPF of 70-90. They can be hard to find sometimes depending on what part of the country you're in, but you can always google them and order online.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

I apply the stuff about every 4 hours - although more often would be better. On a 100 miler - I am out in the sun about 6-8 hours straight, and I am only off the bike long enough for a total reapply once at midday on average.

I dont even have tan lines when I am done! and no rash!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

There is a new sunscreen ingredient that was recently approved by the FDA (it has been in use in Europe for a number of years) that is said to provide much more effective broad spectrum coverage than the products that are currently available. I'm sorry I don't recall the name of the ingredient, or the sunscreens that will be re-formulated to include it, but perhaps a call to your dermatologist, or a Google search would help you to find it.

Also, I can't say enough about the importance of sun-protective clothing. Google "sun protective clothing" and you will find a number of manufacturers of clothing that carries an SPF rating of 50 or higher. If you are on a budget, you can also purchase Rit Sun Guard in the laundry section of your store. It is a powder that you add to wash water to improve the sun protection factor of ordinary clothing.

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I'm a red head, too, and burn so easily. I found Neutrogenia Ultra Sheer by accident on Catalina Island, on our way to Mexico. I applied it before leaving and thought I'd tossed it in my bag. We took a catamaran to a private beach off Puerto Vallarta. The sun was hot, no shade and I reached for the Ultra Sheer. It wasn't there. No store, no extra clothing, I knew I'd just completely ruined the rest of my vacation. We stayed for about 3-4 hours and then another 45 minutes getting back to shore. The temp of my skin was HOT, I knew I was in big trouble. Guess what? No sunburn!!! It was the most amazing thing, expecially since the banana boat dumped us twice, I played volleyball, etc. I'll never be without it again.

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Wow thanks everybody!:yeah:

I am neurotic about reapplying any sunscreen I wear so, that won't be a problem. I will try all of the suggested sunscreens and hopefully something will work.

Because of the dress code, I am only allowed to wear the uniform. I do not know yet if it will be pants or shorts. The summers reach 110 degrees plus, so covering up really isn't an option anyway.

I found my job by getting onto the amusement park website and interviewing my butt off. It should be a fun summer!

Keep them coming.

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