Protecting yourself from the sun while you’re driving is always a good idea, especially if you’re concerned about skin cancer. However, melanoma and sunburn aren’t the only health threats imposed by the big, bright orb. Some Texans have medical conditions that make sun exposure an immediate and serious health threat, and these ailments may help them qualify for darker window tinting that exceeds the limits placed on the general public. Here are five examples of medical conditions that can result in exclusion from automotive tinting laws.

Medical Conditions that Require Automotive Sun Protection

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost every system and organ in the body. Many lupus patients suffer from marked photo-sensitivity. Even minor sun exposure can exacerbate symptoms such as painful skin rashes, joint pain, fever and extreme fatigue.
• Cockayne’s syndrome is a genetic disease that causes delayed development, neurological dysfunction, accelerated aging and sun sensitivity. It’s typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. Children with the disorder must wear sunscreen and dark sunglasses to avoid skin and retinal damage from sun exposure.
• Bloom syndrome is an inherited disorder associated with low birth weight, short stature, sun sensitivity and increased cancer risk. Sun exposure causes reddening of the skin and dilated blood vessels in Bloom syndrome patients, and their risk of melanoma is much higher than that of the general population.
• Solar urticaria is a form of chronic hives caused by sun exposure. It’s sometimes called sun allergy. Hives develop immediately upon sun exposure and typically resolve in about an hour. Although it’s not painful, the condition can cause severe itching and a burning sensation.
• Protoporphyria is a genetic disorder characterized by an enzyme defect that causes excess protoporphyrin to build up in the skin. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it causes a severe, painful burning sensation.

If you suffer from any of these conditions or other forms of photosensitivity, appropriate window tinting could help you live a healthier life. To make your car a safer place, obtain a physician’s signed statement or prescription indicating your medical needs, and submit an application for exemption with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

After You Call Your Doctor, Call Sunbusters Window Tinting Limited

When you’re ready to optimize your car for UV protection, call the automotive tinting experts at Sunbusters. We help Austin drivers reduce their exposure to damaging UV rays while enjoying cooler temperatures and more privacy. Contact us today, and ask for details about our Formula One High Performance window film.