sun cream ?

[larissa]

I have fibro, CTD, and sjogrens and i am sensitive to the sun ( photo sensitive ?) Can i ask my GP to prescribe me suncream ? I buy a pre payment card so it would be better for me to get this on prescription instead of over counter ?

[glen]

Hi yes you can. I am also sun sensitive and I get my sunscreen on prescription. They should give you enough to last 2 months. In our climate that should be enough!!

[pattismith]

Yes l get mine on prescription , make sure it's at least a factor 50.

[erky]

Which one do you get could you recommend one thanks

[foxglove in reply to erky]

I understand Neutrogena do a sunscreen which claims to be 100% - Google it to check.

Hope this helps!

[corrie4 in reply to erky]

hi have used lots . had lupus for 13years. uvistat factor 50 on prescription. but like sunsense dailyface factor 50. the best it is matt with a bit of a tint have problems with all they seem to leech into eyes sting like hell as i also have sjogrens

[honeysuckle]

Yes you can get on prescription. I do.. My dermy specialist from the hospital recommended the make 'Sun Sense' the maximum factor available... Its an Australian make and they are tip top with their sun creams... So I have this on repeate prescription at the doctors. I also do pre-paid so this is handy. Sun Sense also does a tinted sun cream just for the face neck... the shades are basic but can use as a base instead of light foundation... also available through the doctors on rescription. I have SLE, Sjogrens, etc..... Might as well make used of the prepaid !!! (Sun creams ... good ones with high factors are expensive..

[katerowley]

I am totally amazed that you get this on prescription, I've had a stage 3 melanoma but I have to pay for mine.

surely in this day and age, its more important so people can have their cancer drugs, than waste that money on sunscreen.

[Nightjar in reply to katerowley]

Hi Kate, Perhaps you should check with your GP about the situation in your case. If sunscreen on prescription is necessary for you to be able to get on with your life, I cannot see why you should be exempt from getting the help you need.

I wouldn't call it 'a waste of money' to allow light sensitive lupus patients to spend some time outdoors. I know a number of lupies who are practically housebound, all year round, because of this problem. Many can't even sit near a window or travel in a car (whether it is sunny or not!) and to top it, not many get sufficient economical support. It is very costly (in more ways then one!) to live with lupus - and which illness is more 'worthy' of support, financial or otherwise, simply cannot be measured.

[katerowley in reply to Nightjar]

I'm very well what its like to live with lupus having had it for 20 years.

its all down to cost, I have to buy sunscreen, cream for my scleroderma, spare dressings when I had my surgery, even my glasses I have to put £80 towards.

[Nightjar in reply to katerowley]

I do understand, having had SLE for most of my life (I'm 65). It effects everything (24/7) ..including our moods. I too have to pay for my glasses and creams needed 'here there and everywhere' - I can add various supplements, special food items, etc, to the list. A list I am sure can be made even longer. Living with lupus is 'a pain' at the best of times and HealthUnlocked is a wonderful help to many lupies - as well as those not yet diagnosed. I have seen how much people appreciate the support they get from others here and I trust you too get support when you need it. Best wishes. xxx

[katerowley in reply to Nightjar]

I don't tell people I have lupus because they then try and bully me.

[Nightjar in reply to katerowley]

That happened to me - but before I was diagnosed. I was told I was lazy, a hypochondriac, suffering from hysteria and "..there's always something wrong with you isn't there?" (..by family members, as well as 'friends' and medical 'professionals'!)

Now, I don't accept bullying ..not any more! I wear a LUPUS UK wristband and dish out lupus leaflets left, right and centre - and I don't do it for people to pity me. I do it to raise awareness of lupus - on behalf of all of us.

LUPUS UK's leaflet 'Someone You Know May Have Lupus' is their best leaflet in my opinion. Ask Paul to send you some, if you haven't got them already.

Like many others here, apart from SLE, I also have DLE, Sjogrens, Fibro.., Raynauds and IBS ..and couldn't agree more with that lupies really do have a reason to "moan 'n groan" - and on here, we can do it to our heart's content...

Don't let people bully you Kate. You can "get your own back" ..by educating them! xxx

[Nightjar]

Hi Larissa, Like you I am light sensitive but also over-sensitive to many chemicals, so sunscreen is totally out of the question. I manage relatively well by staying in the shade and using Aloe Vera gel, coconut oil, etc. I never go anywhere without a sun hat and a long sleeve 'something'. Hope it works out for you. Good luck! xxx

[redfive]

Thanks Larissa for asking this question as I never knew you could get a prescription..it costs me a small fortune as I have DLE lupus,raynaurds and react with the sun...I work outside all year round...never once have either my dermy or gp told me this!Their advice,apart from wear a hat and sunblock 50+, is change jobs and work inside!Think I'll pay my gp a visit!

[Arty28]

I don't get it on prescription. A prescription is £7.80 and the dispensed ones are horrible. I have been using Boots Soltan which has a 5 star rating UVA and UVB rating. It is thin, easy to apply and does the job! At the moment it is half price and a great deal cheaper than a prescription.

[Clare9811]

Yes you can get your gp to prescribe sun cream. One that I get prescribed is called Sunsense and it's fabulous xxx

[panther50]

Yes you can get Sunsense 50+ on prescription if you have lupus. It's excellent non greasy easy to apply and doesn't stain your clothes too much. I apply it every day in the Summer months.