Cool Clothing for now extreme sun sensitive hiker

[WhiteBearDog]

Hi, I hope someone could direct me to a new problem I now have. Back in Dec., I began to develop severe arthritis, was tested for lyme disease among many other diseases including lupus and all came back negative. The doctors, because my grandfather developed the same symptoms at the same age of 35, thought I too had rheumatoid arteries.

Then about three weeks ago a new symptom emerged. After more than an hour in sunlight, I develop a severe rash that looks like I was used as a mosquito blood bank that itches worse than rolling naked in poison ivy (even though 1. I've never shown any reaction to posion ivy and 2. never tryed rolling naked in it either).

Exposed for just a couple of hours, this rash lasts anywhere from one to three days if I remain indoors to heal. They have no idea what is causing it but have eliminated meds and foods pretty much leaving sun allergy. Sunscreen doesn't work either.

I went to a rhumatologist last week, for my first visit. They decided it was not rheumatoid but rather what they call "reactive arthritis". They also have no idea why the sun reaction has begun and was unable to offer any advise other than staying indoors.

I am devastated because I LIVE for the outdoors and staying cooped up is killing me! It's now steadily remaining in the 80's now and only going to get hotter. I have had to wear long sleeves and pants (yoga) on hikes and it's just horrible.

Does anyone have any affordable ideas? :eek:

[WhiteBearDog]

Rheumatiod arthritis.... not rheumatoid arteries.

[Wise Old Owl]

http://arthritis.about.com/od/reiters/ss/reactive_6.htm then after that page hit the "next" button.

Suggest a light wide brim sun hat.:D


http://www.rei.com/product/771890 - upf shirts
http://www.rei.com/category/40003693 hats

Topical Corticosteroids


These corticosteroids come in a cream or lotion and can be applied directly on the skin lesions, such as ulcers, associated with reactive arthritis. Topical corticosteroids (http://arthritis.about.com/od/topicalmedications/) reduce inflammation and promote healing.

[Snowleopard]

"Sunscreen doesn't work either." That's odd. What about sunscreen that is really a block -- I think they use titanium oxide -- that is simply opaque? http://www.rei.com/product/750585 (http://www.rei.com/product/750585)
Dark, UV blocking, glasses.
Long shirts and pants of opaque material.
Wide brim hats or a hat with a back cape http://www.rei.com/product/721671
People who hike on high altitude glaciers in the tropics have to be careful because the sun is so strong; you might google on that.
I'm sorry you have this problem and hope you find some better solution than hiking in the dark.
I did once know someone who was allergic to sunlight.

[Jester2000]

Coolibar.com has some sun gloves and sleeves that might work well for you. I saw a lot of people wearing sun gloves on the PCT last year.

[Snowleopard]

Jester2000, That coolibar.com has some interesting stuff:
http://www.coolibar.com/02512.html
The Montaignais Indians in Quebec wore something like this for bugs. I suspect that it would keep people away from you too, but it sure would keep the sun off.
I'm almost tempted to get one for mosquitos here this summer (spray it with permethrin).

[Cassie]

Try Solumbra.com. I live in the desert and love their clothing - it's not cheap but it's of excellent quality and does the job.

[mweinstone]

jester should help you. he needs girls.i got his number when your ready, or you just need sunscreen. hes all man.

[WhiteBearDog]

In the past couple of days, I have noticed that the skin issues are not quite as severe as it has been in recent weeks. I'm am wondering if this is due now changes possiblely made in laundry detergent. Reason is, on Monday, I started making my own laundry detergent which works amazingly! It's very easy to and for 180 loads of detergent, it only costs $2.64 and 30 minutes to make a batch.
I've been outside doing my usual routine and no rash or whelps or itching. Please God, I hope this may be the solution to this problem and I can go back to life as usual.

[Bolo]

JustStartWalking,
Care to share your recipe for homemade laundry detergent? Sounds interesting!
-Bolo

[mister krabs]

Clothing that is aimed at the saltwater fishing crowd is great for sun coverage and staying cool. It gets darn hot and sunny out on the water. Bass Pro shops, worldwide sportsman, cabelas and others have it.

[Lillianp]

JustStartWalking, I would also like to know your recipe for homemade laundry detergent!

[WhiteBearDog]

Sorry... I'd been busy with Little Leauge Baseball tourney's. Here it is...

This made for me, 2.5 gallons of liquid detergent. I find it best to use empty gallon jugs with screw on lids (will need to shake & mix when you add to washer).

Get a bar of soap, I used Fels-Naptha (or you could ivory, etc), using a grater, grate 2 cups of soap and add to ONE quart of boiling water. Stir and adjust heat as neccessary to completely melt the soap.

In a larger tub (needs to hold a few gallons) pour the melted soap water and add 2 CUPS borax and 2 CUPS WASHING SODA... (((not baking soda))) you can find both in the laundry aisle at most any store.

Stir untill mixed very well, may take a few minutes. Then add 2 GALLONS of water. There will be some seperation but that's ok and it WILL start to thicken like store bought detergent. If you like yours scented, just add a tablespoon of essential oils before you add to jugs. Remember to stir & mix as you pour into your jugs.

Use 1/4 cup per load. I use more when I wash the boys baseball muddy clothes.

The cost break down is...

So I began and it is quite simple. The trip to the grocery store for main ingredients cost a total of $8.40 and included...


2 bars Fels-Naptha bar soap 5 oz each (.99 cents each)
1- 4lb 12oz box 20 Mule Team Borax laundry booster ($3.43)
1- 3lb 7oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda ($2.99)

For one batch, it yielded 2.5 gallons or 320 ounces of detergent.
One load is 1/4 cup or 2 ounces which equals 160 loads per batch.
The end results, one batch costs .0165 cents (less than 2 cents) per load!!!

I searched at a popular online member warehouse and found that this same amount of detergent by the load would cost a range of $45 - 30!


Compare that to our cost of $2.64 per 160 loads !!!

[firefly]

I get a very bad rash from the perfume and dye in most laundry detergents..I have to use the free and clear brands...I have the same problem with toilet paper..no Charmin for me :eek::eek:

I went to Key West several years ago and got cooked walking around town the first afternoon. I was a painful bright lobster red. I went to the marina and bought a Exofficio shirt which blocks the sun. The shirt cost $70 but it saved my vacation. I was able to go biking, swimming and shopping with little discomfort. The shirt breaths very well-I did not get hot in it. I like the way the sleaves roll up. I understand why you see so many professional outdoor people wearing this shirt on TV.

Now when I hike or go out on the water I wear the Columbia Titanium shirts. These cost about $20 or less at Bass Pro Shop. I will put sunscreen on my arms and legs..I wear a Tilleys hat and swim in shirt.. this works great for me.

[skinewmexico]

Sportif Gage pants are good.