House WindowsIf you are extremely light sensitive, perhaps one of the first steps you need to take is to screen out the harmful light that enters the windows of your home. Even to screen a few of the most useful windows makes you feel more part of the world. You can either get simple UV proofing - the most necessary even on windows where the sun is not shining in - such as DermaGard which protects up to 400nm, screening out more than 99% of UV and it is virtually unnoticeable, or for the extremely light-sensitive: Amber film which screens out blue light as well as UV (and therefore gives some colour distortion) or Darkened film which screens out 99% UV and varying percentages of visible light (depending on the darkness) without colour distortion. The major suppliers (who can normally tell you of a local fitter) are: Bonwyke - an acknowledged expert in solar screening and offers a range of products as well as helpful advice if required. Window film can be applied by a Bonwyke technician or by yourself (but it is difficult to apply smoothly to a larger window area). Cars need to be professionally screened. Bonwyke Window Films Ltd Encapsulite - produce three different kinds of safety sleeves to screen fluorescent lighting, each offering different ranges of protection:
Encapsulite also provide the C20 Clear, LY5 Light Yellow and G10 Gold blocking filters as film to put on windows. It is 1.2m wide and can be purchased by the metre. It is however not suitable for car windows. Encapsulite International Ltd ULTIMATE TINTING - now the UK's largest and fastest growing tinting organisation, using fully trained staff and the best films available. Ultimate Tinting offer a friendly, professional service with the industries best warranty. Specializing in window tinting for vehicles, the home and commercial premises. ULTIMATE TINTING UV Photo-protective window filmMuseum Film 200 (UV Dermagard)
RIT wash-in Sunguard Available from Suninsight Blinds Blinds can also be made with transparent UV/Amber/Darkened transparent film. (These are called 'anti-glare' blinds). If your local blind company cannot provide what you want either in blackout or anti-glare blinds contact the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) and they will put you in touch with a range of companies who will: British Blind and Shutter Association Gro Anywhere Blind web: www.gro.co.uk Fluorescent Tube Filters Car Windows Car Window Film and Visible Light Transmission (VLT) For fuller advice see "Travelling Safely" in "Members Write...". Passenger Sunshade Silver UV Protective Umbrellas Rob McAlister Ltd |
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Personal CoveringFace Shields and Masks Ski Masks or Balaclavas - sunscreen is not sufficient. Some of us need more solid face shields. In winter you can get away with ski masks or balaclavas from sports outlets. These are especially useful if it is windy. Face Shields and Head Wraps - in warmer weather it is possible to use a face shield obtainable from the Sun Precautions Company. They also sell a head wrap that can be worn under a hat. You can view/order items available on www.sunprecautions.com You can make your own head wraps and face shields by using sun-protective fabric. See 'Fabrics from the Solar Protective Factory' below. Hats and ClothingBeware Optical Brighteners: It is advisable not to use laundry detergents containing optical brighteners (sometimes labelled simply as 'brighteners') which cause clothes to absorb UV. This is released slowly to create the appearance of brightness and the UV is transferred to your skin. Suppliers of Hats and Clothing with an SPF of 40 or above United Kingdom: Sunsuits.co.uk Sun Togs Rohan Designs Ltd Sunsibility - offers an accessible, personalised and friendly service. A lot of sun-protective clothing is outdoor and sporty, but Angeli's range includes dressy and elegant outfits. Sunsibility Tilley Hats - Tilley have several SPF 50 hats that look good. They are practical, durable and well made. They now also sell SPF 50 clothes. Tilley Endurables Magellan's Travel Catalogue Overseas: Solumbra - if you are struggling to find a shady hat, the Solumbra range from America is aimed at people like us who need real protection. They have a variety of products marketed under the name Sun Precautions and a wide range of sun protective clothing called Solumbra. Their products can be ordered: By internet www.sunprecautions.com Sun Protective Clothing Company Ltd - This is one of a variety of North American Companies producing sun protective apparel. If offers a selection of sun protective hats and a small range of outdoor and sporting clothing at comparatively cheaper prices. Catalogues and purchases from: Sun Protective Clothing Company Ltd Hats & Sunglasses web: www.dermadoctor.com Fabrics from the Solar Protective Factory The Solar Protective Factory This website provides lots of information and links to other sites about UV. It also advertises many manufacturers of sun protective clothing and hats, from traditional to the really funky, as well as other items such as tents. Parasols Solumbra make a good parasol. www.sunprecautions.com Magellan's Compact sun umbrella. Rated 50+, it blocks 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays. Silver reflective coating. www.magellans.co.uk Barrington Barrington Brolly Barrington Hats - From the same address, are also made from Solarweave. The best we have seen in style and protection, possibly also the most expensive. Sunglasses Medi-View filters - these filters can be tailored to your specific requirements for prescription or non-prescription spectacles and are available from: Medi-View Ltd Wrap-around Sunglasses - cheap, lightweight wrap-around Condor Sportsman Sunglasses that screen out harmful blue, UVA, UVB and UVC light available from: Scotts of Stow Limited Wrap-around Sunglasses that fit over prescription glasses available from: The House of Bath Also available from Magellans. www.magellans.co.uk |
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Computers and TelevisionsAnti-radiation filters can be fitted to your computer and television screen. (It may require extra securing with blu-tack and tape if TV is curved). These filters reduce, but do not eliminate the problem of light exposure, so still keep as far away from them as possible. Some also eliminate E-field radiation. The cheapest we have found are available from Viking Direct Viking Direct Electrical Hypersensitivity The Powerwatch Handbook by Alasdair and Jean Philips This is an informative and easy to read guide with lots of practical advice. |
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SunscreensSUNSENSE Sunsreens SUNSENSE - Ultra SPF 60 Non-whitening, 4 hour water resistance, can be prescribed on FP10 for patients with sunsensitive skin. SUNSENSE - Daily Face SPF 60 contains moisturiser to alleviate dry skin but is oil-free and suitable for acne-prone skin. Can be worn under make-up. SUNSENSE - Low Irritant Specially formulated for people hypersensitive to sunscreen ingredients. Contains only Titanium Dioxide but still give SPF 20. Fragrance free, hypoallergenic, lanolin and PABA free. All SUNSENSE sunscreens block UV-A, UV-B, and screen infa-red and visible light rays. Their products do not contain PABA, PABA derivatives or lanolin. They market themselves as 'Innovators in Sunscreen Technology' and comment on the need to protect ourselves against more than UV. Available from: MultiPharmacy Total Block Sunscreen - Provides protection against UVA, UVB and visible light. Total Block is available in Clear, Tinted and Waterproof sunscreen. Available from: Fallene, Ltd Dead Sea Spa Magik Sunsafe SPF50 - Creates mirror-effect protection which bounces back hazardous UVA and UVB rays. Hypoallergenic, non-whitening and 8 hour waterproof. Available in Debenhams and Holland & Barrett. Mail order from: Finders International Ltd Uvista Range - Uvistat sun creams are available in SPF 20, 30 and 50 and have been reformulated to incorporate the latest sunscreen technology. All have 5-star UVA protection and are fragrance-free, available from Boots and all leading chemist outlets. The SPF 30 and 50 sun creams and SPF 50 lipscreen are available on prescription. Available from LPC (Pharmaceuticals) Ltd Reflectant Sunscreen - This sunscreen has been designed to offer protection to patients sensitive to visible as well as ultraviolet radiation. The Dundee Photobiology Unit which developed this sunscreen has no commercial interest in this enterprise. This reflectant sunscreen is available in three colours: beige, coral pink and coffee and can be mixed to match your skin tone. To obtain supplies of Reflectant Sunscreen please ask your General Practioner to prescribe this for you. Your GP should endorse your prescription ACBS. Orders should be sent to: Tayside Pharmaceuticals Ltd Other sunscreens which may be obtained on prescription include RoC 25 SPF and Sun E45 SPF25, 50. |
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A new light sufferer reviewing all these measures in one go may find it daunting as well as exorbitantly expensive, but an overall view can show potentially harmful areas and the individual can decide on priorities. It is probably fair to say that many doctors have no experience of patients with severe light sensitivity and patients often get little or no medical advice on how to stay safe and well. It is common for patients to find out the need to take precautionary measures, eg from reflective light, computers, fluorescent lights only after they have been adversely affected. Disclaimer: Please note that the products appearing in this factsheet, while they may be helpful to individuals, cannot be endorsed by LUPUS UK, its officers or members. Persons diagnosed or suspecting lupus and light sensitivity should always consult their own physician to ensure proper evaluation and treatment. |
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