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Topic: Sun Protection?

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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
  • Posted on: Apr 24, 2008 12:46 pm
inspiewriter wrote:

I just read that the sleeve is not giving us sun protection, so what does everyone do?

They say not to apply sunscreen or lotions on the arm before sleeving up, because the chemicals can harm the material.

I won't wear long sleeves in the worst of the summer heat, so I am befuddled.

(befuddled, funny word, LOL)

Posts 1 - 13 (13 total)
bygrace1
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1021
Apr 25, 2008 02:37 am bygrace1 wrote:

There are garments made for sun protection. You should be able to find them at sporting goods stores. I'm trying right now to think of the type of fabric a friend of mine wears (she is allergic to the sun)--it starts with a "t." Darn it. I so dislike these brain "farts" that hit me sometimes. Anyway, if I think of it I'll add it later.  Just got it--Tensel. I know they carry clothes made from that fabric at Macy's and probably other "fine" department stores. A little pricey--but my friend swears by these garments (and she doesn't like the heat either).

Also, there's a travel company that puts out clothing catalog: Travelsmith

You might find something in there.

Seems like this would be the only way to go since we can't put sunscreen on under our LE garments & sleeves. Wonder if an umbrella would be a way to go. At least it would keep the direct sun off your skin. I know what you mean about summer heat and long sleeves. I try to do all my gardening in the early am--cooler and no bugs! Those pesky mosquitoes seem to be around more at dusk. 

grace
Dx 5/10/2004, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes
inspiewrite…
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
Apr 25, 2008 10:49 am inspiewriter wrote:

Thanks for the tip.

I am finally taking golf up again and will be in the sun a lot more than the previous 2 summers.  So far, normal sun exposure has never penetrated the sleeve.

Guess I will be experimenting this summer!

Binney4
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3387
Apr 25, 2008 02:06 pm Binney4 wrote:

Robin, hi!

Yeah, a parasol won't work out on the golf course, will it? Do experiment carefully. I remember a couple of summers ago Kimmytoo spent some time at the beach, using sun screen on the rest of her but assuming her opaque sleeve would protect her arm, and she ended up blisteredSurprised -- which is naturally not a bit good for the stupid LE.Tongue out

Keep us posted on what you discover, and have a great time on the links!

Binney 

inspiewrite…
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
Apr 30, 2008 10:24 am inspiewriter wrote:

Thanks Binney. I don't know about a good time, though. . .  . LOL

purplemb
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2088
Apr 30, 2008 10:35 am purplemb wrote:

I have purchased the sun screen garments... the first one came from Bass Pro.. a little bulky but did the trick...I go to car shows all summer .. the shirt I have is light weight, cool and easy to wear... it has lots of pockets, I guess for fishing...lol.. but I see this year they have nice ones and pants too... can't wait, I love to be outside....

good luck

MB

inspiewrite…
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
May 2, 2008 12:34 pm inspiewriter wrote:

MB,

Is this garment something you wear over your sleeve, or instead of?

I put a call into the girl who orders my sleeves--and asked what she recommends.

Raye99
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 925
May 2, 2008 12:38 pm Raye99 wrote:

Ladies, I am sorry if this seems like an ignorant question; however, can exposure to sun cause lymphedema?

thanks.

Raye


Dx 7/14/2006, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 3/9 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
Binney4
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3387
May 2, 2008 01:52 pm Binney4 wrote:

Golly, Raye, there's nothing wrong with that question. Smile In fact it's a good one.

If you've been treated for breast cancer, you're at risk for lymphedema (LE). Anything that damages your arm (or chest) can lead to LE developing. If you get a sunburn your body will normally send extra lymph to the offended area to haul off dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. If your lymph system is already compromised by bc treatment, then that extra lymph fluid could overwhelm it and -- ka-boom! (Well, maybe not the sound effects, but you get the picture...Tongue out)

Here's another problem. Because your lymph system is already compromised, you may already have stagnant lymph fluid in your arm tissue (because up to 30% more lymph fluid than normal can be present before any swelling can be detected.)  This stuff is protein rich and bacteria love it, so if you compromise your skin with a sunburn you could trigger an infection more easily than you would if your lymph system were entirely healthy. And that infection would also draw more lymph fluid to the area, so ka-boom again. Frown  You might want to know some other risk reduction stategies from the National Lymphedema Network: www.lymphnet.org.

Honestly! Ask a simple question and I can ramble on for an hour! Embarassed Short answer: protect yourself from sunburn  But for goodness sake don't stress! Go out there and enjoy the good ol' summertime! Cool

Binney 

inspiewrite…
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
May 2, 2008 03:59 pm inspiewriter wrote:

Just found this on the Juzo site:

<font>
</font>

<font>Can I use lotions and creams with your garments?</font><font> 
<font>It’s perfectly safe to use lotions and creams with a Juzo brand compression garments because all Juzo garments are Latex Free. This is especially important for people with lymphedema since daily skin care and moisturizer is so important. Lotions and ointments breakdown garments made out of natural rubber.</font>
</font>

 

 

So I have emailed them to be sure they include suncreen in "lotions." 

Raye99
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 925
May 2, 2008 04:24 pm Raye99 wrote:

Binney - Thanks so very much for your very informative and kind response. As I just returned from Florida with a tan (not a burn - although I did burn in tanning bed a bit), I was a bit concerned when I saw this thread.

Thank you!!


Dx 7/14/2006, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 3/9 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
inspiewrite…
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
May 5, 2008 11:37 am inspiewriter wrote:

Well the woman who sells Juzo gloves/sleeves said you CAN use sunscreen, just make sure it's dry before applying sleeve.

For other brand sleeves, check the website to see if they have rubber in them.

Binney4
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3387
May 5, 2008 04:38 pm Binney4 wrote:

Thanks, Inspie!

I had a note into my "Juzo guy" about this too, and he said because it's latex-free it's resistent to sun, perspiration, ointments and lotions (also machine washable and dryable, but no fabric softeners and no Woolite). They've tested it with all sorts of sun screens and insect repellents and found they don't harm the garments.

On the other hand, I don't think I'd put insect repellent on my skin under my garment, for fear it'd damage my skin Tongue out. Unless perhaps it was that Avon Skin-So-Soft or whatever it's called. So maybe a good lotion-plus-sunscreen on your skin, let it sit a few minutes before donning the garments, and then a zap of insect repellent over the garment. Does that sound about right?Undecided

I also called Bio-Concepts and they said any sunscreen or insect repellent is fine for their garments too.

LindaLou or others who use  Jobst/Elvarex, what's the score with those, do you know?

Happy summer, all! (And how's the golf coming, Inspie?!)

Binney 

inspiewrite…
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1674
May 11, 2008 06:36 pm inspiewriter wrote:

I agree, Binney, I really avoid insect repellent unless it's really needed. Just had my second lesson this weekend and I am getting better!  Having a female teacher, my height, seems to help a lot.

Arm hasn't seemd to get better or worse, but I have to tell you, a few other parts of me are sore after all the balls I hit this weekend. LOL

It's rainy and cool here, no sunscreen really needed.

Happy Mother's Day, ladies! 

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