markrj

+1

warren1958

I have been very good about using sun screen since becoming a cyclist. But I was diagnosed with skin cancer on my nose this week. It is basal cell, the least dangerous kind, but it is on a part of the nose that limits surgical options so it may mean radiation or chemotherapy.

So I have increasing my UV protection. There are UV arm and leg protectors made for warm weather riding. The head, neck, and face is a bit more difficult to find things that work. the skull covers that I see are all for cold rides and not sun protection.

American Euchre

I've found neutrogena to be completely ineffective.

The sun cape is ugly as sin. Might as well wear a burqa then.

kingston 

You must not be looking very hard. I googled these in about 20 seconds
White Halo Solar Skull Cap & Tail
NozKon

Carbonfiberboy 

I've been using the Halo caps w/o tails for years, even in 100°+ temps. They work great. I also use white sun sleeves in all sunny weather. I never pull them down. So far, no leg sleeves as my legs aren't showing the sun damage that my arms show even having used sunscreen.

clasher

I love the sun sleeves, I have both the arm and leg kinds. A few good burns on the knees changed my mind. I've also though about getting a sun balaclava but I dunno about looking like a bank robber on a brevet... for the price I might give it a go anyway.

kingston 

I have started wearing a plain white rash guard under my jersey most of the time. I tried it on a really hot 400k earlier this year and found that it helped keep me cooler during the day and warmer at night, so I wore one on the 600k too. What kind of leggings do you use? I've had my eye on the Castelli UPF 50+ Light Leg Skins but haven't pulled the trigger since I would probably only use them a couple of times a year.

I can't imagine that's comfortable on a hot day. Let us know how it works.

clasher

I've got the sugoi sleeves, they've been pretty solid for two seasons now.

I dunno if I'll ever get the balaclava, I don't have much problems with sun on my face.

warren1958

Skull and neck are not as hard to find. I've had difficulty finding one for face coverage that's for warm weather and has an opening to take a drink.

23109VC

I usually spray myself with a ton of sunscreen before a ride... maybe I should look into these sleeve things... thanks Dr. for looking out for us!

Leebo

Check out solumbra stuff as well.

warren1958

I see you Googled something in 20 seconds that does nothing to cover the face which is my main concern.

Cyclist0108

I use one of those, and for similar reasons.

Before committing to an extreme treatment for basal cell carcinoma, look into some alternatives including Mohs surgery https://www.skincancer.org/skin-canc...n/mohs-surgery and various topical photo-activatable complexes that kill surface cells with targeted CO release.

For the nose, I find the only thing that will really work is a nice thick zinc oxide coating. Keep your head down, use a helmet with an extended shield instead of small sunglasses, and stay out of peak UV (11 am to 3pm here).

BikeLite

Peak UV 10 AM to 4 PM. MOHs prob always used on face if possible.

warren1958

Unfortunately, MOHS was not a good option for my situation. I consulted several doctors (oncologist, plastic surgeon, surgeon, radiologist, dermatologist) and the MOHS procedure would have required rebuilding my nose with a "forehead flap" procedure. It requires multiple surgeries, takes several months (during this time you are disfigured where you wouldn't want to be in public or at work), and the end result is so-so. The only good thing is that it is close to 100% cure rate.

I opted for radiation which took 30 days (5 days a weeks for 6 weeks). The treatment facility was only about 5 minutes from my office and each procedure only took 15 or 20 minutes (about 30 seconds of radiation each time). Just a few minor side effects and visually you can't tell anything was ever there. Downside is cure rate is about 90%.

Steamer

Solumbra makes a variety of face guards, gaiters, etc. that cover the whole lower face, including the nose.

I had MOHS done to the side of my face a few years back. I haven't resorted to one of these types of garments. I slather on the zinc oxide instead.

warren1958

One of the options for the cancer on my nose was MOHS surgery but it would have required extensive reconstructive surgery so I opted for radiation. I am paranoid about sun exposure but still want to ride. At present, I also slather on the zinc oxide but I also wear "Dabrim" which is a brim that fits on a bike helmet. It provided pretty good sun protection. I hardly notice it being there except on descents when the wind speed increases and it is a little annoying but still okay. But always looking for a better solution so I will look at Solumbra.