Help finding wetsuit for friend who has Lupis?

[billwendy]

HI - my BFF has lupis and is going on a cruise to the bahamas with her family. the sun totally makes her flare up!!!!! we are thinking that she could wear good sunscreen ( anyone have a recommendation? many of them make her skin itch and smell is too much for her) and then a shorty wetsuit with maybe long sleeves???? She is a small person and can fit into kids XL sometimes. Im seeing some really pricey ones out there!!! Any ideas or, how have others with Lupis or other issues which make you sun intolerant enjoy the activities of beach and cruising????

THANKS so much!!!!

 

[Green Tea]

What about the SPF 50 clothing that Patagonia or maybe even LL Bean offers. Lightweight, quickdry fabrics?

 

[billwendy]

What about the SPF 50 clothing that Patagonia or maybe even LL Bean offers. Lightweight, quickdry fabrics?[/QUOT

Have you tried swimming in them? Are they comfortable in the water? They are a bit $$, but I think she'd try them if she knew they would work for her. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[irisesareblue]

She could try Neutrogena sunscreen - it is great for sensitive skin and is basically unscented.

If she isn't going swimming, she could try a long sleeved shirt and pants made of really thin fabric (there is a woven type fabric I've seen in Caribbean counties that almost resembles linen but I'm not sure what it is). She should be sure to have a wide brimmed floppy hat. If she keeps on sunscreen, wears light clothing and stays in the shade, she should be okay. She might want to invest in pretty little parasol which might help her weather the sunshine a little better.

 

[design_mom]

There was a thread not too long ago started by a Muslim woman looking for swimwear to wear at Disney. There were a number of links in the thread that were to web sites that sell modest or total coverage swimwear. Some of the styles were actually pretty nice. (I sunburn easily, and I'd wear some of them.) Maybe your friend would find something she likes. Swimsuits can be pricey (even just "regular ones") but at least as an adult, you won't grow out of it every year!

Here's the thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2399765

 

[thumpery]

The sunscreen my dermatologist recommends is Blue Lizard. The "magic" ingredient that makes it work so well is zinc oxide. What the surfers put on their nose in the movies. I have a skin condition and this stuff works great. A little pricey but worth it.

Also, I wear a long or short sleeve SPF 50 rashguard shirt. Again, what the surfers wear. Actually, now all my family members wear one. We do swim in them. Not total coverage, but when in the water our legs are underneath.

Hope this helps!

 

[Jen_in_NH]

If you're still looking for shorty wetsuits, try wetsuitwearhouse.com (you can find them on ebay too) They had pretty reasonable prices on them - I just got a *********** one for my son for $40.

 

[Va-bear]

Neutrogena is the best 'sensitive' sunscreen.

I tend to get prickly heat rash- yes the one kids get .When I am having a flare-up I like a long sleeve rash guard (Lands End has good prices and will be even less if she can get a 'big-boys' one...) worn with 'mens' (or boys) long surf shorts. Now, these days they do make womens ones too - but the mens ones are longer (and still come in pretty colors and patterns). They provide great coverage, dry quickly, and seem more 'regular' our and about in the water than a wetsuit would (and cooler too....)

Good luck and hope she had a great trip!!

 

[billwendy]

Thanks for all the ideas!! Keep them coming.

I do know they want to go snorkeling. I also forgot to mention she has a 6,9,11 year old to keep up with.

 

[SamSam]

In years past Sam's Club has had shorty wet-suits (adults & chiild size) for reasonable prices, at least in our area.

 

[zumbergc]

Be careful if she is ordering a wet suit. She needs to look at the thickness of the material. THe wetsuits are for diving in the cold water, and made of a tighter/thicker material. If she is in the hot sun she will get really warm in a heavy wet suit.

another option are rash guards / they have both short sleeve and long sleeve ones. They do come with certain spf built into them. The rash guards come in different colors. SO, if she is hanging out in the sun, with a black rash guard, she is going to get hot, and may overheart. If she gets into the pool, not such a big deal. Something to think about when purchasing

Look for some long sleeve, long pant options that keep her covered, in a breathable fabric. I have a friend with lupus, and i believe she looked for linens.

Make sure she brings all her meds for when she has a flair, as you don't want to be at disney without your meds.

 

[disfan07]

the only sunscreen I will recommend to people who have skin problems is vanicream sunscreen.

My dermatologist said that while the neutrogena is supposed to be for people with sensitive skin, she would never recommend it for someone with skin problems (such as lupus, eczema, psoriasis....not just sensitive skin). Its really just meant for pepole who have more delicate and or dry skin but not major skin problems.

I would recommend havign her look for anythign without parabens in it.

I have severe eczmea(I have to take oral immuno suppresents to control it) plus a severe allergy to parabens and lanolin. Plus I am a red head who is about as pale as possible. Vanicream does not make me break out and i havent burned once while using it for the past 3 years. It is an amazing product.

 

[shaylahc1]

I have Lupus and here is what I do: I wear a regular swimsuit and then a large tee shirt over it. I limit the time I spend in the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). I have a good hat that I wear when I'm outside for long periods of time. SPF 70 sunscreen. I also have a long sleeve "sun protective" shirt that I wear if I need to be out during peak sun hours.

For me the sun causes me to swell up like a balloon. Ugh. Lupus sucks.

HUGS to your friend! You are sweet to try and help her

ETA try Land's End for sun protective clothing, they usually have a decent selection of shirts and hats.

 

[shaylahc1]

She could try a long sleeve rash guard like this

http://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSlee...&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001_0000000083&origin=search


www.coolibar.com is another good website to check out. Google "sun protective clothing" and you should find other links. Tell your friend not to forget to bring and wear a good hat!

 

[englishteacha]

I'm considering a rashguard for our upcoming trip for the waterpark. I burn so easily. My nephews wear them and aren't phased by them. Much more comfy than a t-shirt in the water. I think a rashguard top and board shorts would be perfect for your friend.