Prescription SPF50 sunscreen

[Poethlyn008]

Am I still able to get SPF50 sunscreen on prescription? I am particularly photosensitive and not only do I develop rash/sores on my skin from the most minor exposure to sun, sun light exposure for me can trigger a flare.

[Hidden]

I recently saw a dermatologist who diagnosed a sun exposure form of skin cancer on my lip and with the treatment I have to wear SPF 50 and avoid direct glare all year round - even grey days.

I do all this anyway anyway because I’m very fair and photosensitive but she gave me a flyer for a good suncream available on Amazon for about £1.50 a tube. I explained that, as I’m very allergic, I’d just stick to my preferred tried and tested SPF50 suncream - Nivea - available from most supermarkets plus a lip balm.

I’m sure the GP would prescribe it if I asked and I am low income - but I’m guessing that if the derm was suggesting to all her skin cancer patients that they buy it online - then it might not be something the NHS doctors are keen to prescribe?

[soootired in reply to Hidden]

Do you recall what it was called? I'm always on the hunt for a good inexpensive one and if a dermatologist recommends it it must be good!

[Hidden in reply to soootired]

I’m really sorry but I don’t. I had one of my awful headaches that day and was just expecting to be dismissed so was was totally non pluses when she said I had a precancerous skin condition with one carcinoma. I should have taken the leaflet but next time I see her in July I definitely will! X

[soootired in reply to Hidden]

No worries, thank you x

[RachelD1972]

I think some GPs will. Mine won’t. My dermatologist hasn’t offered to put anything on prescription either. It may just be part of the nhs budget cuts that some items are cheaper to buy than on prescription. It doesn’t help those of us on low incomes though x

[eekt]

It's recommended in the UK SLE Guideline* so your GP should prescribe it - same with anything if there's a medical reason eg Vitamin D3. If reluctant, ask your rheumy to give him/her a poke!

"iii.High–Sun Protection Factor (SPF) UV-A and UV-B sunscreen are important in the management and prevention of UV radiation–induced skin lesions (2 ++/B)."

*academic.oup.com/rheumatolo...

xxx

[GlasgowHen]

Dermatologist asked my gp to prescribe and since then I have had it on prescription. My rheumatologist also made sure I was getting it. Might be worth asking your gp and showing them the guidance

[Mifford]

Yep I get la Roche posay factor 50+ prescribed for lupus - can’t remember if my rheumy requested it or if docs just agreed when I asked though. It has to be one of the 3 listed and I react to the other 2 but get on well with this one. Saves me a fortune as I use a tube a week as severely photosensitive to the entire light range so have to use 24/7 all year round

[Poethlyn008 in reply to Mifford]

Same here, have to use it every single day I’ve been using the LRP one (having tried SunSense but not getting on with it) and was getting it on prescription (as requested by my dermatologist) but as of last month they told me they won’t prescribe it any more.

I wanted to check whether this was correct or that if I can try and argue my case. To use the same sunscreen to the same level as I need to will be a significant expense if I can’t get it on prescription x

[Mifford]

Oooo I hope not. I’ve not put a repeat prescription in for that for a while though. I’d suggest asking the gp what has changed and if it’s coming from the pcc ask the gp to request a specific exemption for you to allow them to continue prescribing based on your photosensitivity and the severe risk to your health if it is removed. Let me know how you get on

[Poethlyn008 in reply to Mifford]

Thanks for advice, I will do

[fabwheelie]

Sunscreen is available on prescription if you have a medical need, which most people with Lupus do have medical need. Some GPs need rheumatology or dermatology to write to them to confirm. Some CCG areas ( postcode lottery) say its not available but that is not true the government were considering looking at stopping sunscreen on prescription as a "low priority" item but that was just an idea, and at the time of that idea Lupus UK stated that sunscreen is not low priorty for people with Lupus, plus the British society for rheumatology advise sunscreen. Even the NHS website information on Lupus states that sunscreen is available on prescription for people with Lupus

I'd advise is anyone getting refused get them to state that in writing, argue your medical need for it, and if necessary get your MP and Lupus UK involved for you

Here are some links which may be useful if you're having problems

lupusuk.org.uk/sunscreen-pr...

nhs.uk/conditions/lupus/

There's also been confusion over items now expected to be bought from pharmacy and not available on prescription ....but those new guidelines are for minor conditions so do not apply to Lupus as lupus is not minor, so for example I can still get paracetamol on prescription as I have chronic long term symptoms of pain due to my Lupus, but someone such as my sister with a one off headache would have to now buy paracetamol

It's all designed to save NHS money, but our health shouldn't suffer in attempts to save the NHS funds (MPs on very high wages could do more to fund NHS, people/ corporations escaping paying taxes could help fund the NHS)