photosensitivity: Fallene sunblock

[cupcake]

For others with photosensitivity (mine's from meds) . . . So I was just ordering some sunblock on drugstore.com, as here in the Midwest, people's idea of sunblock doesn't go much above 15. I ordered a way too expensive ($24 for 2 oz.) but promising sounding product, Fallene Total Sunblock.

Here's the description: "Total Block® SPF 65: Has been specifically formulated for individuals who require full spectrum protection from the sun's damaging effects. For those with any medical hypersensitivity to the sun, Total Block provides total protection from the full spectrum of light. Total Block contains a complete and total photoreceptive/cellular protective system. The only such topical products available, anywhere."

I guess they know their audience, I am willing to pay up to get a better chance of avoiding the dreaded itchy rash, etc. I am especially paranoid bc we are going on the Disney Cruise after my dh's conference at WDW D) and I do not tend to do well on the water despite my best efforts. I guess it can't hurt although sunblock doesn't seem to do much for me. My dr says that only opaque blocks like dermablend or zinc oxide will really make a difference and sadly he's been right so far, although I do cover up & wear a hat and sunblock.

I hope it works! Has anyone ever used or heard of this?

Cupcake
Leaving for WDW/Disney Cruise in 9 days!!!!!

 

[tink2dw]

Someone posted that you need to use 5oz of Sunblock to have it work well.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've never heard of it either. Good luck with it.

You probably already have heard these, cupcake, but here are some of the hints I've read about using sunblock/sunscreen:
-use enough. I'm not sure about the 5 ounce that cupcake posted, but I have read that many people use the amount on their whole body that should be used for one leg!

-put it on 30 minutes before going out. It needs to absorb into the skin for maximum effect. If you put it on just before or after going out, you will burn before it's even working.

-re-apply often. Theoretically it's supposed to protect you for x (what ever the sunblock rating is) times however long you can usually stay out in the sun without burning. So, someone who has problems after a minute or 2 can only expect about 30 to 60 minutes of protection from a 30 sunblock.

-I did notice that the websites of some pharmacies have higher sunblock/sunscreen than the 15 that you might find in the stores. Actually, I haven't had probelms with finding 30 or even 45 sunblock in Minnesota in the summer (winter is another thing). I have read that some pharmacies keep the higher level sunscreen in stock, but it's behind the counter. Since it's more expensive, they want ro protect it from shoplifting.

 

[Kermit]

I've read that it's 1 oz of sunblock that the average adult needs for full coverage when wearing shorts and a shirt, not a swimsuit. That's enough to fill a shot glass. You should continue putting it on until it's on so thick that one drop more wouldn't rub into your skin.

I have very sensitive skin, and I have to use the lowest SPF that will protect me so that I don't break out in a rash. I'm also fair skinned, so I burn extremely easily. I find that I can get 15 to work for most situations, excluding trips to the beach and other situations that would keep me in direct sun for long stretches. Putting it on the right way, with using a good amount, applying it ahead of time, and reapplying frequently, is enough for me to be able to use the 15 instead of the 30 that leaves me with red spots all over.

 

[cupcake]

Thanks! I was told that it's a full ounce (a shot glass full) for the whole body, and that it needs to be applied 30 minutes prior to going out. Unfortunately, nothing I've tried to date seems to work if I'm out on the water or I'm in a lot of sun ... wham, I get the dreaded itchy rash. This Fallene stuff allegedly is for people with photosensitivity, and has extra stuff that makes it SPF 65.

For normal use, I like the 45 SPF spray-on kind. I'm also going to try to track down some Dermablend and see if it really doesn't show for the backs of my hands, which are super sensitive and will be more exposed on my scooter.

I thought I'd also check in at AK and ask about a GAC in case there's some sun that I can avoid. The other parks are more of a known quantity and I think I'll be ok.

Cupcake
leaving next Friday for WDW/Disney Cruise!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Let us know how things work out.
Most of the lines that I remember at AK are shaded. They planted a lot of trees there before they opened the park and many lines have covered walkways. The wildlife paths are even pretty well shaded, so you won't need to avoid them. The parts that will be a problem are the walkways between things, but if you satay close to the buildings, most of them have roofs that provide some shade depending on where the sun is in the sky.

P.S. The shows: Tarzan Rocks, The Pocohontas animal show, Flight of Wonder bird show, are all in open air theateres, but they have roofs, xo you will be shaded. The Festival of the Lion King show is in a tent-like building, so you'll be out of the sun for that too.

 

[SueM in MN]

bumping up

 

[FFerret]

Goodness, that was a huge bump, Sue!

I for one appreciate your info though--haven't been yet and was pretty concerned about the shade at AK (extremely fair skinned!)

 

[nancycels]

try the 70 block from hawaiin tropic, its worked wonders and is a lot less expensive for more block. ck the drugstore websites or pick it up at goodlings/goodings whatever that store is called!