Sun exposure after melanoma

Hi Karabee 

It can be really difficult to know what's best to do in relation to the sun when you've had a melanoma diagnosis.

When I was diagnosed with melanoma I was told the following was necessary to protect myself in the sun:

1. Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

So, based on these instructions I still remain covered even if the UV is only 1 or 2 but once it's reached 0 then I don't necessarily remain covered up.

At the end of the day only you can decide how you want to interpret the guidelines. For example, I'm a keen walker so can't necessarily stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. If I'm going for a walk during this time I just make sure I'm covered and any exposed skin has SPF50 lathered on.

Anne

Thank you. It's so tricky when it's hot, and I live on the seafront. I really want to be on the beach! All the apps seem to have different UV ratings too. 

I’m stage 3 on immunotherapy. I was told as long as I wear lots of factor 50 and am sensible I could go about as normal. I wear my shorts etc. Maybe being in Glasgow is also a factor. Hope you’re ok. 

Thank you, that's really good to know. I really want to break out the shorts! I hope you're doing ok too. 

It's funny how advice differs. I was told the exact opposite and that sunscreen shouldn't be used as a replacement for covering up but only for areas that couldn't be covered with clothing 

Hello karabee,

I live by the sea and wear knee length shorts and dresses, i wear factor 50 and huge hat and when I’m sitting for any length of time at the beach I use a sun parasol. I tend always to wear sunglasses. I always have a tube of factor 50 with me, I even wear it when I’m in the car, especially my arms. When you think about sun rays beating in the windows - things thrive in greenhouses, so figure it has same effect x

Ah thank you, that is really good to know and so helpful! I've been really struggling in the heat in long sleeved tops and trousers! I've got the Superdrug kids sensitive factor 50 sunscreen which is really good and use a Korean skincare brand Purito SPF 50 on my face. And I love a hat so that's all good! I'm going to get my long shorts out  I hope you're doing ok x

I often wear long shorts with short sleeved shirts and plenty of factor 50 where I have exposed skin.  I'm afraid I perspire so much these days in the hot weather we get. It must be 30 deg where I am now that I cannot bear to be in long trousers and long sleeved tops.  I'm inside and the perspiration is running down my neck!  I also wear dresses but I look for those with a collar to protect my neck and short sleeves. I have always loved and worn hats so I am never without a hat.  I believe from the position of my melanoma that I was caught by the sun when driving and this contributed, if the sun was a reason, to developing one on my arm. I used to keep sunscreen in the car always putting in last year's tube.   I have bought some long 'sleeves' and gloves that protect those areas from the sun coming through the window.  I even keep a towel handy as an alternative. 

As for advise, I was never given any so I do what is right for me.  As I say I cannot bear to be totally covered up so even when I'm helping on an archaeological dig or weeding on a medieval palace site, I will rely more on cream and tape over the skin where the melanoma came off.  That area has never been the same since.

Beaches I don't go near and never have, being a redhead with freckles and white skin so that is not an issue.

Thank you that's useful to know. I also cannot bear to be covered up in long sleeved tops and trousers when it's 30°, I'm absolutely sweating in no time! And it was making me miserable. It's SO nice to be able to wear a t-shirt again lol! With factor 50 on my arms of course. I'm still white as a pint of milk unless I break out the fake tan!

I wear long trousers made of cotton or linen and long-sleeved shirts. I wear factor 50 on my face, hands, and feet. And a hat. I do feel like 'the boy in the bubble' but I often get many, genuine compliments on my outfits. 'Where did you buy that? What size is it? I'm gonna get one!'

Okay, often I wear tee-shirts with my trousers! I miss shorts but I don't miss sunburn. (My melanoma was on my calf.)

I love my Roxy long-sleeve rashguards and Decathlon swim-tights for swimming. 

When the temperature goes over 25 degrees, I definitely stay indoors from 11am to 3pm.

Dots