Beach and sun

Make sure you cover-up and wear your sun screen. I hope it will not be to cold for you. The weather here in the virgina beach area is supposed to be 50-60 and cloudy the next few days.

Enjoy your trip...

I have been doing quite a bit of research on sun protection since being diagnosed. I was always very faithful to sunscreen but once I started doing some investigating I realized I didnt know much about it at all. The best way to protect yourself is to use a product that has both a physical and chemical block.

The chemical block is, like the description says, is an actual chemical agent that denatures the light rays making it impossible for skin damage/increased pigmentation to occur. The physical block actually creates a physical shield around your skin so light *cant* get in. When you choose a product that has both you really have full protection. In additon to the physical/chemical block the label should also say "broad spectrum" - that means it physically and chemically blocks out both the UVA and UVB rays. If it doesnt specifically say "broad spectrum" it isnt so be sure to look for one that says "broad spectrum". For the beach you should have a minimum of spf 30.

I also ran across this product in my research and I think I am going to give it a try. You simply add some to your regular loads of laundry and it creates a sun shield on your clothing that will block out 96% of the suns harmful rays. It wont alter the color/texture of the fabric and is supposed to last 20 washes.

http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/

I also ran across this site that sells UV Protection beach gear (umbrellas ans such) and clothing. I purchased the beach umbrella already. I had it shipped right to our vacation destination for next week as we will be spending two days on a houseboat and another day on the beach. I am not taking any chances!

http://www.coolibar.com/shade-umbrellas.html?source=adwordskt&words=sunumbrella&version=1

Here is a good article I found about physical/chemical sunblocks:
http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter97.asp

Also, if you happen to have The Lupus Book by Dr. Wallace there is an entire section about which sunscreens he suggests to his patients. If you dont have the book and want me to type the list let me know.

City,

  Tks for sharing those links with us and starting this topic. This is very important and helpful to us here, especially this time of the year. Sorry, I meant to say that last night, but was so tired I wasn't thinking straight.

                                                             ((Hugs)) Babs

  Thankyou very much for the much needed advice. Tonight I am reading the articles. I have sunscreen for my face Neutragena broad spectrum 60 UVA/UVB and for the body Neutragena lotion broad spectrum 45 UVA/UVB. I have 4 bottles. They should sell it by the gallon. LOL

I have a wide brim hat, sunglasses and light clothing. The only time I will be out in a suit is when I am in the water. I am only going to be out in the water for 30 minutes and not during peak hours. I don't want to flare!! I have been resting up for this vacation. To anyone else that would sound strange. I have an extra 10 days worth of Amoxicillin that I am taking with me just in case. Oh as far as a tan.....I bought the self tanning lotion. Don't want to scare the fish off with my ghostly white legs. Please tell me self tanning lotion is ok.

Kitty38