Polymorphic Light Eruption

Ah, it is summer. A time to spend outside, beautiful walks, bike rides, trips to the park, laying out by the pool, sprinklers, picnics...

Summer is the time that people talk about how to spend their time outside. No one talks about what to do inside during the summer! But that is where I am finding myself. What to do indoors, away from that evil sun. Yes, evil. All right, I know it isn't, we need the sun and yes, I like the sun. Maybe I should go with my evil immune system. It has something against the sun.

I have Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLME). What that means is if I got out in the sun I break out in an itchy rash. A rash that doesn't seem to go away quickly or lessen with any type of over the counter products that I've tried thus far. Last summer when I had my first outbreak I spent an entire month of the summer itching. I had to take steroids to ease the itching. The rash,well a year later the rash is still visible (lessened but there). My Dr. told me it might possibly never completely fade. Nice... (this isn't me but pretty much what it looks like)

So how do I function this summer? What in the world do you do when you have 3 young kids and you can't be in the sun? I can cover up and wear a special sun block but even that fails. I can't seem to get everything covered. And man it is hot to keep covered from head to toe. I don't know how muslim women do it.

I'm glad long skirts are in this summer, I hope they stick around for quite some time- like until I get to a point where I just don't care what I am wearing- gosh I hope that day never comes. So anyways, long skirts that is easy- legs covered- check! Shoes, well just going with flip flops, my feet haven't broke out yet and I need my feet cool.

Shirts, this is the area I am having a hard time with. I can't seem to get it right. I have been wearing long sleeves- even on 80 plus degree days! Not enjoyable! But, I seem to keep letting my chest and neck get attacked by the sun. Apparently I need a turtle neck for the summer time; that or scarfs. Yes, I just said scarfs and turtlenecks in the summer- ugh!

For my face, yes my face has been effected, I have over sized sunglasses and a big ol' hat, I call it my Diva hat. I feel stupid wearing it even though everyone tells me it is cute. I personally feel like an idiot. Like I am over dressed for the event or that everyone thinks that I just think I am fabulous. I'm going to have to be that person walking around with an umbrella on a sunny day. "Look at me! Look at me!" that is what my outfit will be screaming. While I on the other hand will be hoping to no one is looking. (this is me and my far too low cut shirt!)

Really I guess I just need more confidence (and a self cooling body even when completely covered). Changing your style is hard. Not that I have a great style to begin with but it works for me, I feel comfortable. I do love the skirts though. I guess I am becoming more girlie in my old age (of 25, yep I am 25). Last summer I had started wearing skirts prior to the PMLE diagnosis, just knee length vs ankle. The long skirts, well they are super comfy- elastic waists, flowy, nothing riding up.... But, elastic waist can be dangerous- you can gain weight and have no idea since your clothes still fit! And today I found some cute light-weight turtle neck short sleeve shirts. I'll have to wear a light-weight shirt over my arms. I'd still rather go with a tank of some sort. And the hat, well the hat is something I could definitely go without...