Preparing your Skin for The Conditions

Shotglass75 · Post by **Shotglass75** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:37 pm

First time poster, long time lurker

Sooooo, the rumor has it that the weather conditions are pretty interesting to say the least and from what I am told the desert soil can be very rough on the skin. I am one of the unfortunate souls who has psoriasis (just a small case) and I am quite concerned about how it's going to be affected by the elements. Especially my feet and scalp.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to not only protect the skin while at Burning Man (other than the rx topicals) but also how to possibly prepare it for the conditions? Do you recommend any certain lotions, oils, etc to use leading up to the fest?

Other than that, I am so excited to be popping my cherry this year.

dr.placebo · Post by **dr.placebo** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:53 pm

The playa is extremely dry and somewhat alkaline. The dust can be wind blown at 50+ mph. The altitude is about 4000 feet (1200 m), so the sun is bright and the UV level is high. The playa floor reflects a lot of light, so even with shade from the direct sun one can pick up a lot of exposure. The day can break 100 F. At night it gets cold (usually down near 40-50 F, but every so often near or at freezing).

Your best bets to deal with skin problems is to stay out of the sun, to stay hydrated, and to lower the pH to counteract the alkaline dust. Wear a hat and socks. Sun block is also necessary. I'm sure that you will get certain brands recommended, and some of the advice is likely to be useful. However, you might also want to consult with a dermatologist.

Clar-i-ty · Post by **Clar-i-ty** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:55 pm

Keep your feet and your scalp covered! Wear clean socks every day, do not go barefoot at all. Get something called Foot Miracle, give your feet a heavy dose of lotion, then put your socks on, then your shoes.

I tend to wrap my head with big scarves or bandannas to keep the playa out of my hair.

Use sunscreen and lotion liberally and often. Don't forget your lips. Having sunburned lips takes all week to heal, and really sucks! Can also interfere with copious consumption. That would be bad! I often use TJ's lavender oil on my skin and hair after I shower and after I clean up at night too.

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:57 pm

Try to find 99% aloe vera gell. It moisterizes, absorbes quickly, and is exelant for practicaly all skin conditions including cuts and burns. Leaves no residue.

Token · Post by **Token** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:40 pm

Psoriasis like many auto immune conditions has different reactions on different people. It quite diverse in symptoms.

Very hard to get good advice from a bunch of strangers on a board.

Talk to your doctor and explain the elements. The key is lots of Sunlight both direct and diffused (I hear that helps with symptoms), temperature extremes, very low humidity and ever present desiccant.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 11:03 pm

Bring a bathtub and fill it with 10% vinegar and 90% Pabst Blue Ribbon and stay in there all day long (in the shade of course).

Bring a ladle for serving samples and make sure they use thier own cup.

Rinse and repeat as often as is necessary.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 11:07 pm

oneeyeddick wrote:Bring a bathtub and fill it with 10% vinegar and 90% Pabst Blue Ribbon and stay in there all day long (in the shade of course).

Bring a ladle for serving samples and make sure they use thier own cup.

Rinse and repeat as often as is necessary.

I wasn't going to check this thread, till I saw you post........I just had peek in to behold your commentary.........

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 11:11 pm

I should have mentioned don't let DPW know that you are doing this unless you bring a BUNCH of vinegar.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:55 am

Don't know about psoriasis, but if you get a tan ahead of time, you will be less likely to burn.

jella · Post by **jella** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:57 am

Last year was my first and I was warned by my burner friends of the dry condtions. I have mild psoriasis myself and didn't notice any increase in my symptoms.
I bathed everyday and applied aloe vera gel.then a good quality moisturizer. And never braved bare feet.

Shotglass75 · Post by **Shotglass75** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 3:59 pm

[quote="oneeyeddick"]Bring a bathtub and fill it with 10% vinegar and 90% Pabst Blue Ribbon and stay in there all day long (in the shade of course).

Bring a ladle for serving samples and make sure they use thier own cup.

Rinse and repeat as often as is necessary.[/quote]

I should have stated in my first post that I was already going to use this remedy but was looking for something in addition to my PBRV bath. I also hear that Milwaukee's Best can be used as a replacement.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 4:05 pm

Shotglass75 wrote: I also hear that Milwaukee's Best can be used as a replacement.

For the beer or the vinegar?

Shotglass75 · Post by **Shotglass75** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 5:19 pm

ba-doom ching!!!!!

westnileraven · Post by **westnileraven** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:24 pm

I've got a couple scales myself, and honestly? I expect it will get better. :D Everybody is different though, I'm bringing aloe, dr bronners lavender, vaseline, baby oil, cetaphil soap-crap and lotion. oh and sunblock+ unscented unsticky wipes. And a sitz bath kind of tray thing for bathing. I figure I'm covered. literally.

magmagirl · Post by **magmagirl** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 9:41 pm

I also have mild psoriasis, and I expect it will actually get better while I'm on the playa. Mine tends to clear up in the summer, when I'm getting a lot of sun. In fact, my father had it pretty bad, and the doctors prescribed UV light treatments for him. You just want to make sure to use plenty of sunscreen, especially on any places you're using a topical steroid, etc.