According to the founder of GreatnessInAlbinism blogspot Mrs Bamishe Olabisi, 'the sunlight is the greatestenemyofpersonswithalbinism. My mother never knew that there was a cream that I could use while growing up, that would prevent having my skin from turning red, until I travel out of the country and realized that there is a cream called sunscreen that is very good specifically for Albinos. When I started using it, I saw a great difference from all other cream that have been prescribed for my use.
The sunscreen cream came from the German army and is made for sensitive skin. The cream is good for the skin of albinos and will help protect them against the sun.
People with albinism can enjoy the outdoor games and limit their exposure to sunlight, by wearing appropriate hats and clothing, as well as using sunscreens diligently. However, the task of preventing damage to the skin over a lifetime is a difficult one. Preventing sunburn is important, but not sufficient to prevent sun-damaged skin.
Sunscreens
People with albinism should use sunscreens labeled SPF of 20 to 30. "SPF" means "sun protection factor." This number comes from a standard test in a laboratory. The test measures the time it takes people wearing a standard amount of sunscreen to sunburn under a standard ultraviolet lamp, compared to the time with no sunscreen. In theory, if a person could stay in the sun 10 minutes without burning with no sunscreen, he or she could wear an SPF 20 sunscreen and stay in the sun 20 times 10 minutes or 200 minutes before burning.The current SPF system focuses on sunburning, and mainly measures UVB protection. Since UVA penetrates the skin deeply but has much less energy for burning, researchers have become concerned that sunscreens could create a false sense of security, and allow people to sustain damage to their skin. The FDA is considering adding a second rating system for UVA protection.
In actual use, a sunscreen may not provide as much sunburn protection as expected from its SPF rating, largely because people do not apply enough. Most people apply about half as much as the amount used for SPF tests. Full body protection for an adult requires nine portions of one-half teaspoon each, or a total of about an ounce. For sunscreens that come in four-ounce bottles, this amounts to one-fourth of the bottle per application.
People often develop a blotchy sunburn from spots missed with sunscreen lotions. Since sunburn develops two to four hours after the sun exposure, and sunburn may peak in intensity as long as 24 hours after sun exposure, it is important to apply the sunscreen systematically. Don't forget the tops of ears, and the backs of arms and legs. Bicyclists need to protect the low back, where shirts often ride up.
It helps to apply the sunscreen one-half hour before going into the sun, since some of the screening chemicals bind to the skin. Remember that rubbing with towels or friction from clothing such as between the legs can remove protection. Simple immersion in water does not remove protection of sunscreens marked "very water resistant" (80 minutes in water by FDA definition) or "water resistant" (40 minutes in water). The FDA has proposed dropping the term "waterproof." Most people, especially children, do more in the water than just immerse themselves. They may rub off some of the sunscreen, and the old warning to "reapply after swimming" may be wise.
Which sunscreen should people with albinism use? It is difficult to recommend a specific sunscreen, because formulations change. Consumer Reports publishes a review of sunscreens every couple of years, and their evaluations show that labels of SPF and water resistance are usually accurate. In the Consumer Reports cost comparisons, some products cost as much as six times more than others. Some manufacturers are now marketing sunscreen in bigger bottles at much less cost.
Should people with albinism go for the highest SPF available? Using sunscreens with SPF higher than 30 offers little benefit, and more concentrated chemicals might be more likely to irritate or cause an allergic rash.
The FDA has proposed limiting the number to 30. In my view, it would seem wise to use any number of products that have an SPF of 20 to 30. Paying a high price for a few more SPF points is probably a waste. Sunscreens with SPF in this range will include oxybenzone or a similar chemical that makes them "broad spectrum." Oxybenzone blocks some UVA light, but not the longest UVA wavelengths. Another chemical, Parsol 1789 or avobenzone, provides "broader" spectrum coverage and might help people with fair skin prevent sun damage. Unlike oxybenzone, avobenzone is patented and expensive, and therefore it is not used in many products (Shade UVA Guard is one). Titanium and zinc oxide screens provide very broad spectrum coverage and, if you have the patience to rub them in, may serve very well with little risk of allergic reactions.
Individual preferences will determine the best product, and factors such as consistency and smell may play a big part in the choice. Some products have an alcohol base that goes on easily but may sting and dry the skin. Others have a lotion base like baby lotion. Oil-based lotions are more likely to aggravate acne. Dry lotions contain plastic like polymers that make them very water resistant. Although they don't feel oily, they can make your skin feel sealed.
Spray sunscreens are very sticky and hard to apply evenly. Self-tanning lotions contain chemicals that develop into a brownish color in sunlight. While this product might seem attractive to people with albinism, in actual use the skin may look mottled or dirty because the chemicals accumulate in skin lines and pores.
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