Question about sun sensitivity

[Cindy]

This is my first summer with big sun sensitivity. I had some last year but plaquenil just made it 100 worst. Im thinking with all the precautions I will be ok but is very expensive. Im saving to put the special film in my car windows but is about 1000. I have never been an outsider so I think as long S Im protected when driving I be ok. I live in Texas which very soon will get to the 100 degrees. In the mean time Im getting ready and found this product that you can add to your washer and according to the reviews and website it adds 30 upf to the clothes. Have any of you try this? I ordered some coolibar sweaters but they are super expensive.

[Reggie]

What is the name of the product you put in the wash?  I need to get that too.

[4Kids]

Website for product I found is called sunguardsunprotection. Google that and the website should come up.

Article about these sorts of products is by googling new-breed-of-products-said-to-offer-sun-protection-but-doubts-linger.

For those of us with issues, even though the nytimes article states that it might be overkill, I still think it might not be a bad idea.  I hate heat and wearing a tight-weave long sleeve dark shirt in the heat is not appealing. Something white and cotton, still w long sleeves, might be more appealing especially with that spf.

That's just my thoughts...  Quick ones too.

eta: mods I tried to attach the website without putting on a link and can't remember specifics about what is allowed. So I did that. Hope it is right.

[Joe S.]

I found SPF 30 clothing at a sporting goods store. The long sleeve shirts that I have are very light weight. I also have an SPF 30 hat. Gloves might be nice. I have thought about long pants also. It is the way the cloth is woven and has nothing to do with the threads.

[jazzlover]

Cindy... shop around on those windows! I had my car done last year for about $200. It was a professional job.. with great results. I know things are cheaper here in MO than in TX.. but still!!! It should not cost you $1,000.

[Cindy]

Jazzlover I guess I need to. One of my coworkers sister has lupus and gave me the info about this tints, she said that with those tints you dont have to wear long clothes to protect your skin.

[Dee]

I agree with Jazzlover it should not cost that much for your window tint, I had mine done (in SoCal) for about $300 or $350 and it has helped tremendously and still looks great. Perhaps you can utilize YELP to find a company with good reviews in your area.  I have also bought several items of spf clothing (at REI on sale) and have been very happy with them, they seem to work but then again I pretty much hole up and spend little time in the sun in late Spring Summer. 

[odie]

Do shop around for window tinting.  It does vary even within the same area.  We just spent about $200 for a small car after getting a quote from another place for $350.  The tinting sure makes a difference.

[mshistory]

Even with your windows tinted, still apply a 50+ SPF everyday to the sun exposed areas of skin. I have a body cream sunscreen that I apply to my neck, throat, chest and arms everyday and a different facial lotion sunscreen that I apply every day.

I've also accepted that I will be an indoor creature as much as possible - the sun will land me in the hospital and that's just not a fun experience ;-)

[jazzlover]

PS... Contact your state highway patrol to find out what you need to do to get a sticker or permit to have "illegally" darkened windows. For Missouri, I just had to get a prescription that I needed the dark windows and he wrote it for 15% transfer of light. Then I went down to the state troopers' office and got a sticker for my car window.

--- and ... I happened to be in my Dr's office to ask about this and started there. He pretty much knew how to write the prescription... and it worked.

[Reggie]

Because it was a prescription I wonder if insurance would pay for it??

[slccom]

I doubt that, but it is worth a shot. In any case, it will be a medical deduction on your taxes.
Sharon

[Skylar]

I don't rely on the tinting of my car windows because once I park the car I have to walk outside to get into the mall, library, concert hall etc.

I prefer to wear UV protective clothing and apply sunscreen.

Also get tested for Vitamin D - you want to keep your levels in that nice safe mid-range.

[jazzlover]

I'm definitely taking the deduction!

Skylar .. the reason I have the tinted windows is for the glare on my eyes. The sun is so bright in Texas (we are from there and travel back twice a year) .. that my eyes get burned without the tinted windows. It really helps even here in Missouri.

I NEED the sun on my skin. I don't get enough.

[Skylar]

I'm definitely taking the deduction!

Skylar .. the reason I have the tinted windows is for the glare on my eyes. The sun is so bright in Texas (we are from there and travel back twice a year) .. that my eyes get burned without the tinted windows. It really helps even here in Missouri.

I NEED the sun on my skin. I don't get enough.

I forgot about glare in the eyes - annoying isn't it? I have my theory that it's related to the dryness of the eyes. Hope it helps.