LanceG

Some people are allergic to chemical sunscreens. Something based on zinc or titanium would be a good option. Lance Gee MD

Here's a good description of Polymorphic light eruption from Mayoclinic: Definition Polymorphous light eruption is a common rash that occurs as a result of sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). People who are sensitive to sunlight can experience a reaction after an episode of intense sun exposure, usually in the spring or early summer. The rash typically appears as itchy, red spots that develop up to a day after being in the sun. The inflammation occurs most often on the front of your neck and chest as well as your arms and thighs. Sometimes called sun poisoning, polymorphous light eruption usually resolves without medical treatment in seven to 10 days. But it can recur and become worse the following spring or summer. Cortisone creams or antihistamines can help if the rash is uncomfortable. Gradually increasing sun exposure times in the spring and avoiding intense sun exposure is the best way to treat and prevent polymorphous light eruption. Here's a link to the whole article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymorph...n/DS00911"" target="_blank"> mayoclinic description of polymorphic light eruption No one in my corps ever got this. I wonder if any one know anyone who did.

These sentiments are exactly why I wrote this article. I hope some of your mates chime to give their views. This is serious business. Lance Gee MD.

REDUCING THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER IN DRUM CORPS December 29th, 2008 BY LANCE GEE MD ABFP Department of Dermatology Kaiser Permanente, Antioch, CA lance.a.gee@kp.org Anaheim Kingsmen 1982 As a drum corps member in 1982 I remember fun and memorable rehearsals with a lot of other drum corps enthusiasts. Many practices were on football fields or in parking lots in sometimes very hot, sunny, and overbearing weather. Many of our members were beet red by the end of the day. In fact I remember how cool it was that the drummers had sun burns that matched the openings to their harnesses. Many wore hats, shirts, and sunscreen; many did not. The art of drum corps requires hundreds of hours of practice often in the middle of summer and exposure to harsh ultra violet radiation. There is anecdotal evidence that a significant number of drum corps alumni have experienced various skin cancers often requiring extensive surgery. This article is written as an over view of sun protection in order to aid current and future drum corps participants with adequate protection and lower their incidence of skin cancer in futures years. Risks: there are several risk factors that predispose one to more severe ultraviolet sun skin damage. One would be your skin type. Those individuals who have red hair, freckles, blue eyes, and who do NOT tan after sun exposure, should take extra precautions. Never wear tank tops. Always wear a hat, sun glasses, and sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Patients who taking medications such as tetracycline,doxycycline, and certain seizure medications may also be more sensitive to the sun. Patients with a history of lupus can be more sun sensitive. First time participants who get a large dose of initial sun exposure can get a reaction to the sun called polymorphic light eruption. We encourage all light skinned participants to use an SPF of at least 30. Use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection that preferably has zinc or avobenzone. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours. Corp leaders should try to schedule outdoor rehearsals in early morning or late afternoon. In terms of clothing's choose fabrics that cannot be seen through. There are newer fabrics made of microfiber nylon that are very good. Here are a few websites that sell sun protection specific garments. Wear a wide brim hat and remember the SPF factor is derived from tests with application of a uniform amount of sunscreen thicker than most individuals routinely use. www. sunprecautions.com www.gcex.com www.coolibar.com www.allsportsocs.com www.nashbar.com www.railriders.com Also consider also a daily supplement of 400 IU Vitamin D. Apparently it reduces the sun burn reaction and compensates for the reduction in Vitamin D formation that is stimulated by sun exposure. In addition to ultraviolet reactions, a procedure to prevent and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke are mandatory especially in hot, humid weather conditions. Drums Corps members who wear heavy full body uniforms or who carry large weights are especially vulnerable. We caution against the use of tanning salons to create a tan prior the drum corps season. Such exposure only worsens sun damage. The tan is a reaction to harmful ultraviolet light NOT a protective effect. We hope that this brief overview of sun protection will be an aid to all drum corps performers. Most of these suggestions are common sense and I'm sure most are already doing them. As our musicians and guard members are in fact athletes we should do every thing we can to minimize health hazards associated with this memorable and fun sport.

Will do. I'm going to do a promo for sun protection for the junior corps and then a skin cancer awareness campaign for the alumni group. I'll talk about sun screens in general, kids at risk for phototoxicity, and signs/symptoms of skin cancer. Should be interesting. Lance Gee MD Board Certified Family Practice Kaiser Deer Valley Dermatology

Thanks for reminding me. People who have vitiligo are at really high risk of developing skin cancers later in those areas because they have NO pigment at all there. We need to be extra careful in our dark skin corp members who have lost their pigment, probably covering those areas wtih clothes should be mandatory. Lance Gee MD.

Thanks for the inquiry. Your right, how do you find a control population - ?indoor musicians, marching band. One thing will be interesting is which part of the corp gets affected most - color guard, drum line, bugles, etc. Lance

Hello Former Corp Members!! I am a physician working at the Kaiser Deer Valley Dermatology Department in Antioch, California. Many years ago I marched with the Anaheim Kingsmen (1982). Since then I have remained interested in drum and bugle corp especially since the Blue Devils are local. One question I have thought about. Does all the sun exposure we get while marching and drilling lead to a higher incidence skin cancer?. If the hypothesis is true, then more aggressive sun protection may help future generations of drum corp performers. I would be interested in hearing from ex- corp members who are in their 30's or above. If you do have a history of skin cancer or precancerous skin lesions let me know and tell me your experiences (anonymously is okay). If I get enough responders I'm considering doing a formal survey to get better statistics. Thanks much and hope to hear from you. Lance Gee MD Concord, CA lance.a.gee@kp.org