12 Best Ways for Dealing with Sun Sensitivity Caused by Cancer Treatment

The “C” Word and Your New Normal

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you have a lot on your plate. There are so many hurdles to navigate: from the initial shock of the diagnosis to navigating your “new normal.” Doctor’s appointments, tests and treatments, dealing with insurance, and the physical toll that the disease and the treatments may have on your physical and emotional health.

It can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, cancer is no longer treated as the elephant in the room, something that everyone is afraid to talk about. People have become more open about their journeys, and it’s become much easier to find support and resources.

You may find a great support network from your family and/or friends. Or you may find a local or online support community that can help you navigate this journey.

And new breakthroughs in treatments mean that your chances of surviving and your quality of life during and after treatment are so much more improved now than they were just a few years ago!

So there is a lot more hope and optimism surrounding a cancer diagnosis than there was prior to 2010, when the FDA approved the first vaccine therapy for prostate cancer, according to A Brief History of Immunotherapy (targetedonc.com)

Unfortunately, all cancer treatments carry the risk of side effects. If you’ve ever watched a TV ad for a cancer drug, you may have noticed that the list of possible side effects can be scary long.

Doctors, drug companies and marketers sometimes gloss over potential side effects because the benefits of the treatments generally far outweigh the risks, but it’s important to know what they are and how they can impact your life.

It is also important to know that some side effects can be life-threatening. Most are just annoying, but even “just annoying” side effects can impact your quality of life. And there’s no way to know for sure which side effects you may end up dealing with.

I’m only going to talk today about one of the side effects that can happen in a patient whose immune system is compromised, and that’s sensitivity to the sun, or photosensitivity.

You may have never had any problem being in the sun, but when your immune system becomes compromised-whether that’s through disease, surgery, radiation or some type of medication-the sun can suddenly become your enemy.

Sensitivity to the Sun Ain’t No Fun

You may find yourself getting sunburned after just a brief time outside. Or maybe you find that exposed skin develops a rash or becomes inflamed and swollen. Or you may even find your skin becoming irritated or burned through windows or the windshield of your car.

Photosensitivity is not just a weird side effect. It can be dangerous for a cancer patient. Your body is waging war against cancer, so your immune system is already stressed, and getting a second- or third-degree burn from exposure to the sun could lead to blisters, which can lead to infections.

Also, your new heightened sensitivity to the sun actually increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

But being in the sun is one way our body produces vitamin D. Sunshine also increases the release of serotonin in the body, according to the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas in Dallas.

This is why we our moods tend to be better on sunny days. (Did you ever notice how long stretches of cloudy days with no sunshine just feel gloomy?)

So if you find that you have developed photosensitivity as a side effect of your cancer treatment, whether that’s been radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),) you may feel like you have to shun the outdoors altogether.

Not so! You can still go outdoors. You just need to make a plan to stay safe and diligently stick to it. Here are twelve tips for you to deal with the side effect of photosensitivity from cancer treatment.

Please note: You should have a discussion with your healthcare team so that they can advise you which of your treatments may cause UV sensitivity, and help you develop a plan to take care of your skin.

Tips for Dealing with Sensitivity to the Sun

1. Remember that the sun is at its hottest and fiercest between about 10 am and 3 pm, so it's best to avoid being in the sun as much as possible during those hours. Remember that ultraviolet (UV) rays can also be present on overcast days.

2. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. The Skin Cancer Foundation has an extensive list of products on their website that they recommend. And dispose of last year's sunscreen. Sunscreen becomes a lot less effective as it ages.

Dr. Donna Bilu Martin, MD, a dermatologist practicing at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida, recommends that people at risk of photosensitivity wear a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Formulas that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to cause a skin reaction and are good choices for people dealing with photosensitivity.

Be diligent about applying sunscreen. Generously cover all exposed areas of your skin, even on cloudy days. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating to maintain protection.

And if you do end up with a burn, be sure to use a product like Solarcane, Epsom salts or aloe vera gel to cool and soothe the burn.

3. You can’t rely on sunscreen alone - wear wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing so that the sensitive areas of your body are covered. This is particularly important if you’re on the beach or in or near water. The sun’s rays are magnified off water and light-colored surfaces like sand.

4. If you’ve experienced hair loss, a scarf under your hat can help protect your sensitive scalp. Sunglasses with UV protection may also help.

5. Protect your lips: Use a UV-blocking product specifically made for lips.

5. Clothing: You might find it helpful to wear long sleeves and pants if you have a situation where you won’t be able to avoid sun exposure. Of course, you want to wear the lightest weight clothing possible to stay cool, so fabric that has UV protection built in is key.

Luckily, there are now lots of options when it comes to UV-resistant clothing. Columbia, The North Face, Tommy Bahama, UV Skinz, Guy Harvey, and Land’s End are just a few of your choices here.

7. Embrace the shade: Avoid direct sunlight exposure by sitting under a tree or umbrella Coolaroo, Copa, Tommy Bahama and Sunbrella all have canopy umbrellas made with UV-blocking fabric that are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun Tek makes a 2-person umbrella here, so that you can carry the shade with you.

8. Drink plenty of fluids: It’s important to keep your body hydrated and cool.

9. Avoid exposure to chemicals when you’re outdoors: Chemicals can aggravate your sensitivity to the sun. This might mean not wearing perfume when you’re going to be outdoors. Also, be careful around swimming pools, since chlorine is highly irritating and has a drying effect on your skin. If you do go for a swim, be sure to shower afterwards.

Some people having cancer treatment may be advised not to swim during treatment, so check with your healthcare team.

10. Vitamin D is a nutrient and hormone that our body needs for important bodily functions. According to the Mayo Clinic (Vitamin D - Mayo Clinic,) your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D also aids in the absorption of magnesium and phosphate.

Vitamin D also regulates other cellular functions in your body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity.

You may not be able to get your vitamin D from the sun anymore, but you can incorporate vitamin D-rich foods into your diet or add a supplement.

Ask your healthcare team if you should have a blood test to check your vitamin D levels. They might suggest a one-time test or periodic testing, and if needed, recommend vitamin D supplements, if needed, and the appropriate dose.

11. Check your skin frequently for changes. Talk with your healthcare team if you notice any unusual rashes or itchy patches, or if you have changes in moles. Your doctor may want to refer you to a dermatologist for follow-up.

12. Indoor Protection for Home and Office: We typically don’t think about the UV rays that come through windows in buildings, but some people can become so sensitized during their cancer treatment that they can get sunburn or develop a rash from the UV rays that come through windows.

If you do live in a state that requires a certificate of medical exemption, you will need to keep this certificate in your vehicle to show law enforcement.

UV-blocking window treatments will help protect you in your home or office and have the added benefits of protecting furniture and carpeting from the fading effects of the sun, giving you privacy, and keeping your space cool in the summer.

Blackout curtains can absorb as much as 99% of UV rays. Thermal and light-filtering curtains aren’t as effective, but still good choices.

If you want to block light gaps, use some stick-on Velcro to connect curtains.

Another option is UV-blocking window films. These allow light in while still blocking the harmful UV rays from coming through.

These are available in shades as light as 70% or 90% visible light transmission. Because they are nearly clear, they can block up to 99% of the UV rays from the sun while still allowing most visible light to come through.

13. Stay Safe in Your Car: UV rays can damage your skin, even through the windows and windshield of your car. Regulations vary from state to state as to the legal level of window tinting, but there are UV-blocking window film kits made specifically for vehicles. Some states do make exceptions to those limits for certain medical conditions. See the website tintinglaws.com(What Medical Conditions Qualify for Tinted Windows? - Tinting Laws) to get guidance on the laws and medical exemptions by state.

But if you find that your sun sensitivity is so severe that you get sunburned through the car window, these products are definitely worth researching.

Conclusion

Dealing with sun sensitivity during and after cancer treatment can be challenging, to say the least. You might feel a bit like a vampire that has to avoid the sunlight at all costs, but if you take precautions, you can minimize your risk of skin damage and maintain your quality of life.

Remember that everyone’s response to sunlight is different, so it’s important to tailor your approach based on your specific situation and the advice of your healthcare team.

Your healthcare team is your best resource for navigating these challenges, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns that you have. By staying informed and taking the right precautions, you can manage sun sensitivity effectively and focus on your recovery.

And don’t forget to check out the website skincancer.org-they have a wide variety of products that they recommend for those who want or need to cut down on UV exposure. There are links directly to the websites on these pages, so it’s a great resource for anyone that wants to protect themselves from the harmful UV rays of the sun (Recommended Products - The Skin Cancer Foundation.)

By being proactive in taking care of yourself, engaging with your healthcare team, and taking steps like the ones mentioned above, you can protect yourself and your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely.