Safety in the Sun and Kidney Transplantation
Date issued: October 2022
Review date: October 2024
Ref: A-510/AS/Renal/ Safety in the Sun and Kidney Transplantation
PDF: Safety in the Sun and kidney transplantation final October 2022.pdf [pdf] 261KB
Staying safe in the sun
Immunosuppressant medications can increase your t risk of developing skin cancers, therefore yearly full body checks will be part of your ongoing post-transplant care. The Dermatology Department at Derriford will see you one year after your transplant to check for any developing skin problems. If the department are satisfied, they will discharge you to the care of the Transplant team, who will review your skin annually at your transplant review.
You can help reduce your risk by keeping safe in the sun, as well as knowing what to look out for and checking yourself regularly.
Why are transplant patients more at risk?
Having sunburn or even a ‘suntan’ is a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun. Transplant patients are at a three times higher risk of developing skin cancer due to the medications you take. Transplant medications are designed to suppress your immune system and therefore when this damage occurs your body will find it more difficult to repair itself, which can then lead to skin cancer.
Ways to keep safe in the sun
Try to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, a body map can be helpful to note down any moles, warts, brown marks etc. Set a reminder to check yourself regularly and look for any changes/early signs of damage.
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Wear high factor sunscreen with SPF 50+ with 4+ star rating (even when cloudy). Apply every 2-3 hours, not forgetting areas such as hands, feet, lips, ears, and the back of the neck.
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Try and avoid the sun if possible and keep in the shade where you can, especially during the hours of 11am-3pm.
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Make sure to wear a hat (preferably wide brimmed) and closely woven clothing.
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Do not sit in the sun/sunbathe.
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Never use a sunbed.
Changes to look out for
Typically, skin cancers appear on commonly sun-exposed areas like the face but can occur anywhere. Changes in existing moles can be assessed using the ABCDEFG method outlined below, and any changes should be highlighted to your GP or the Transplant team as soon as possible. Early treatment is key in preventing the development of skin cancers:
