Skin Health Series: Pam's Story

What is your name?

Hi, my name is Pam.

What is your skin condition?

I suffer from sun poisoning. I've also heard it called solar urticaria. I've had this since I was 10 years old.

How does your skin condition affect your day-to-day living?

I have very fair skin (type 1; always burns) and when I go in the sun I break out in painful hives, have headaches and feel nauseous and generally unwell. When this condition first appeared, the doctors did not know what it was or how to effectively treat it.

What you have found to alleviate it?

Trying to ease the resultant pain I would cover the rash with baking soda or calamine lotion; neither was very effective. When sunscreen became available it proved to be of some relief but only for short periods in the sun. So I was that person in the heat of the summer walking around in jeans and long-sleeved shirts with my hands in my pockets. Even then, the sun would penetrate my clothing and I would 'break out'.

The only effective solutions I've found are to stay in the shade and to wear sunhats and Solbari clothing. It's so great to finally find relief after 53 years.

Thank you Pam for helping raise awareness for skin conditions by sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.

The Solbari Team

Also in Solbari Blog

How many moles is deemed a high risk of skin cancer or melanoma?

This blog confirms that someone with more than 50 common moles is deemed higher risk of skin cancer and melanoma (Source: Yale Medicine). Also, someone who has more than 10 irregular moles is 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to the general population (Source: Cancer Foundation).

Is it possible to get sun burnt through clothing?

In this blog we explore if it is possible to get sun burnt through clothing. People don't realise that they are routinely exposed to the sun through their regular clothing. Dermatologists agree that the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear UPF 50+ sun protective clothing. UPF 50+ means that at least 98% of UV rays are blocked. UPF 50+ is the highest accreditation for sun protection achievable in the World.

Your Story Series: Meet Kerryn

For me, despite being vigilant growing up in the 'slip slop slap' era with caring parents and being a responsible young adult, my cancer progressed - partly because of my high-risk skin. I really want everyone to take sun safety seriously because it is preventable if you are cautious and get regular skin checks.