Mild Sun Allergy

[spielerin]

Does anyone have recommendations on dealing with park touring with a sun allergy? I usually carry a parasol while touring, but I still develop a reaction within a few days. Long sleeves work, but I still get a rash on my hands, face and neck. I am not currently taking any medication for the condition nor am I currently under any form of treatment as the condition only flares up under long term sun exposure. (multiple hours cumulatively) When at home I have very little exposure to the sun and so no major problems. Hydrocortisone helps a little with the itch but makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. Cold compresses also help relieve the symptoms. My first preference is to travel in winter when less skin is exposed, but my next trip is scheduled for March. So any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Three suggestions, in probable order of importance.

1. Talk to your doctor, especially if you routinely deal with a dermatologist.

2. Get the highest SPF sunblock available (I think they make 45) for your hands, face and neck.

3. Go to Guest Services for a "Guest Assistance Card" (usually referred to as a "GSC") that indicates you cannot stand in lines that are in strong sunlight. It will not allow you to skip the lines, but you will be able to remain in a shaded area for the approximate time it would have taken you from entering the line until actually going into an atttraction.

 

[faeflora]

Hi,
The medicine I take also makes me extremely sensitive to the sun, so in August 2001 when we visited WDW we got a GAC which allowed us to wait out of the sun for rides. The parasol or umbrella was a godsend and I uses SPF 45 or higher every day and kept reapplying it. I also found some longsleve gauzy (sp?) tops to wear. We also tried to plan our day to avoid the hottest times so early to park back to resort late evening back to park.
Hope this helps some.
faeflora

 

[cupcake]

Can anyone else? I posted on this last fall--I think the topic was "sun sensitivity" -- and there were a lot of good suggestions there. If we can't come up with that for you, I will try to provide a recap.

Cupcake

 

[diseyore]

My daughter has the same problem. We read in "The Lupus Book" to take Tagament and an anti histamine (allergy medication). It works!!!! Using the strongest SPF dioes not work. The Tagament is a different type of blocker. Take it about 1/2 hours before leaving for the parks.. Good Luck...

 

[ducklite]

Gauzy tops are probably not a good idea. Looser weaves let more sun pass through. Instead look for linens in a tight weave. Theya re still lightweight and cool without allowing much sun through. Cotton Jersey knits are another good choice.

I get sun poisoning, and my best advice is the parasol and a wide brimmed sun hat. Remember, the sun actually reflects off the pavement, so long pants (or a long skirt--very cool indeed!) are also suggested.

Best bet is to go in January, when it's usually so cold that winter clothes are in order, and the suns rays are not at all strong. Just got back, and even if the sun had been strong we were so bundled up that it wouldn't have mattered anyhow!

Anne