Why Staying Safe in the Sun Matters if You Have PKD
Who doesn’t look forward to summer — blue skies, longer days, and the chance to enjoy the sunshine? But if you’re living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), are on dialysis, or are a kidney transplant recipient, it’s especially important to take extra care in the sun and heat.
Your kidneys play a key role in regulating fluid balance, blood pressure and body temperature, and hot weather can place additional stress on your body.
Why Heat Can Be Risky for Kidney Patients
People with kidney disease may struggle to stay hydrated or manage body temperature as easily, especially if they are on fluid restrictions or taking certain medications. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke can develop quickly — and be serious.
Some signs of heat stress include:
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Dry mouth
- Headache or muscle cramps
- Dark-coloured urine
If you notice any of these, it’s important to cool down quickly and seek medical help if needed.
What About People on Dialysis?
If you’re on dialysis, staying cool and well is just as important. Fluid limits can make it harder to stay hydrated in the heat and missing or delaying sessions while travelling can impact your health. Plan ahead if you’re going away and talk to your dialysis team about safe travel and fluid management.
Top Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat and Sun
To enjoy the summer safely, here are three simple steps:
- Stay Sun Smart: Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily — or SPF 50+ if you’ve had a transplant. Reapply every two hours and stay in the shade between 12pm and 3pm, when the sun is strongest. Remember — UV rays can still damage your skin on cloudy or cooler days.
- Drink Safely: Stay hydrated — but always follow your doctor’s advice, especially if you’re on fluid limits. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you faster.
- Wear a hat and loose clothing that covers exposed skin.
- Open all the windows before bed to get a through breeze.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Don’t ignore dizziness, fatigue, or dark urine. These could be signs of overheating or dehydration — rest, cool down, and seek help if you feel unwell.
Extra Care if You’ve Had a Transplant
If you’ve had a kidney transplant, your risk of skin cancer is much higher due to the immunosuppressant medication you take to prevent rejection. These medicines reduce your immune system’s ability to fight off abnormal cells — including those that can turn into cancer.
That’s why daily sun protection is essential all year round, not just during heatwaves or holidays. Wearing SPF 50+, avoiding peak sun hours, and covering your skin with light, long-sleeved clothing can help protect you.
Transplant patients are also more likely to experience skin problems such as dryness, itching, and sensitivity, which can all be made worse by sun exposure.
It’s also important to check your skin regularly for any new or changing moles, sores, or patches, and report anything unusual to your GP or transplant team.
Planning a Holiday? Take Extra Steps
Whether you’re heading abroad or staying closer to home, it’s important to plan ahead if you’re living with kidney disease or have had a transplant.
Here’s how to travel safely:
- Renew your prescriptions in advance so you don’t run out while you’re away.
- Pack all medication in your hand luggage — and take extra in case of delays or loss.
- Keep medications cool and out of direct sunlight, especially in hot cars or airport queues.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging, and bring a copy of your prescription.
- Speak to your kidney team about vaccines, dialysis arrangements (if needed), and what to do in an emergency.
- If travelling in Europe, bring your EHIC or GHIC card, but remember — it’s not a replacement for travel insurance.
- Make sure you get specialist travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, transplant care, dialysis (if needed), and emergency treatment abroad.
Learn More
Watch our skincare webinar with Consultant Nephrologist, Dr Jacqueline Nevols explaining why kidney patients are more vulnerable to skin problems, the link between immunosuppressants and skin cancer, and practical tips for staying sun safe throughout the year.
Watch on YouTube
If you would like to speak to us about what support we can offer you or a loved one, please visit PKD Support or contact us today and speak to a member of our team.
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