Skin Cancer and Burning Man

[Kinetik V]

Way to ask the eplaya for medical advice.

Let's see, word of mouth type advice or rely on advertising to figure out what's best? I've always valued word of mouth opinions like you get on here more than anything I'll read in an ad. Unless it comes from someone like Consumer Reports that's relatively unbiased....

If I took your line of logic and ran hard with it I should not trust your structural advice to build kick ass desert structures, I need to hire an engineer to figure it out. I chose not to do that, I went with advice from someone I trust and your advice Bob has served me well year after year, and saved me thousands of dollars in loss prevention by letting a clueless fucker with no engineering background build structures and secure things against wind over a thousand miles from the playa. In short your shit works. Back to here, the advice I've got from the eplaya has served me very well over a decade now, good rock solid advice. It's that advice that helps make this place special.

Or we could go back to reading DVD Burner's posts...your choice.

[gyre]

My opinion of consumer reports is not high.

[Kinetik V]

My opinion of consumer reports is not high.

I agree, it's why I wrote that as "relatively" unbiased. I do like their annual auto issue...it's helped me steer clear of some lemons.

[kman]

Kman, the EWG link was an eye opener...and the sunscreen we were using for our 6 month old is now in the trash. Do I really want to rub synthetic estrogen on a little boy? Not happening. That is great info that I'm forwarding all over the place...THANK YOU!

Glad it struck a cord! It was eye-opening for me, too. I'm in the sun a lot so sunscreen is a critical topic for me, too.

I can definitely recommend California Baby as well. It's a little more readily available than some of the other more esoteric ones. Target carries it. The Loving Naturals that I've liked has come from Amazon. Whole Foods carries Badger and another well-ranked one, I think, but Loving Naturals was the best one I've come across. (Available in "reasonable" quantities, not insanely expensive, tho not cheap, doesn't separate badly, the white rubs in with relative ease then goes away, doesn't use nano particle zinc/titanium, and doesn't smell like ass!)

[Hoolie]

Hello All,

I love being on the playa. I've been twice and both times have been a day-tripper (roam all day, sleep at night.)

Fast-forward a few years... I'm married, and really am wanting my husband to experience Burning Man. I bought us tickets, but he is concerned... He recently (less than 2 years ago) had a melanoma removed from his arm. He goes for checkups every 6 months and so far, so good.

I am wondering if anyone has any advice for us?

I am thinking we'll be okay if we make sure he is covered throughly in sunscreen, he wears lightweight but long-sleeves/long-pants, and we try and stay in the shade during the peak sun hours.

BUT I am concerned... and I don't know if I am selfish in wanting him to come to Burning Man with me. He still hasn't made up his mind.

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions??? Anyone else have skin cancer and still return to the playa???

thanks in advance.

xo joya

*** edited to add... wondering what the best shade structure might be or if we should try and get a (wince) RV?

He left it up to me to plan it all, and if it were just me by myself (which it might up being) I'd be fine with the bare minimum. Last time I went, my friend and I just slept in our mini-van! But that won't be a pleasant experience for him.

Hi Joya,

First off, I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I'm going to give you my advice anyway. I think if you take proper precautions, your husband should be fine on a trip to the playa. You're on the right track:

Long pants: Lightweight, cool fabric, in light colors. There is clothing that is made from high SPF fabric. You may want to look into that.

Long sleeve shirts: as above.

Hat: Essential. Wide brim, somewhat breathable.

Bandanna: Tied around the neck provides some extra sun protection and can be also used as a dust mask when necessary.

Full coverage shoes: You want these for dust protection anyway.

Sunscreen: On exposed skin. Re-apply as necessary.

Shade: As you said, spend your time in the shade during the most sun-intensive portion of the day. While shade can be found all over the playa, I think it would be a good idea for you to have your own shade structure at your camp. That way, you have your default location for the hottest time of day, and everything else you may need is there with you. I personally really enjoy chilling under my shade structure in the afternoon heat.

Embrace the night: Maybe this would be a good year to invert your habits a bit and spend less time roaming the playa during the day and do so more at night. It could simultaneously bring you to new experiences as well as your husband.

Have fun!

[kman]

Almost forgot:

Read this thread:

Arab Keffiyah Kafiyah Head Scarf Shemagh - Choice Of Colors

I'll be wearing a shemagh most of the time at BM this year. (My fair Irish skin demands some serious sun protection) As good, or better than, a hat (at least when worn over the face, instead of just around the neck). Full sun protection from all angles. Add sunglasses, and you're set. And they're not hot like you'd think.

Hoolie raises a good point about clothing with SPF factors built in. I forgot to mention that in my post. Many ultra-lightweight shirts are SO thin and lightweight that you may as well not be wearing a shirt. I've been sunburned right through one before. So definitely look into the nice ultralight wicking shirts that offer specific SPF/UPF protection. Sport Chalet is having a big sale this weekend, and the "White Sierra" line of technical clothing is for sale (among others). I've found them to offer some of the best prices among the technical clothing lines, far less expensive than the Columbia, North Face, Ex Officio, etc. lines. On sale, the prices are downright reasonable.

http://www.sportchalet.com/nav/p/catego ... cks&page=2

[Bob]

He left it up to me to plan it all, and if it were just me by myself (which it might up being) I'd be fine with the bare minimum.

Your husband needs to a) prepare for Burning Man just like any other adult and b) consult with his doctor.

Unless you're prepared to change his diapers for an entire week.

[joya]

Thanks to kman, hoolie, eric and those who offered good advice! :)