Cooling Products

Misters
The super-fine mist produced by Misty Mate misters is great for people with ichthyosis--when you normally get yourself wet to cool down, you end up washing off most of your creams.  So now you're cooler (not in danger of heat exhaustion), but you're still miserable because now you're all dried out.  The mist from a Misty Mate is so fine, it hardly disturbs the cream you've put on at all.  So it's the best of both worlds--you get the cooling effects of water, but your cream stays on.  Being moist and cool is the goal of all of us with ichthyosis.

Neck Coolers

The Personal Cooling System from Sharper Image.  Just fill with a few ounces of water, place around your neck and switch it on: A quiet motor drives a tiny fan that creates evaporative cooling; flexible sides hold aluminum cooling plates against your neck — and your entire body enjoys up to four hours of relief. What's more, the fan inside adds even more cooling by directing a gentle breeze over the back of your neck. Comes with 2-oz. water bottle for on-the-go refilling.

It's trim and lightweight: the sleek body weighs just 10 oz. empty; 14 oz. filled. Runs on one AA battery (order separately). One-year warranty.

See Sharper Image's website for more info.

MiraCool products are a line of water-activated cooling accessories that can be worn at work or play, indoors or out. Available in over 30 colors and prints, MiraCool products appear to be a fashion accessory, yet they serve a real function in keeping the wearer feeling and looking cool. 

Encased within each MiraCool product, made of colorful 100% cotton, are super-absorbent polymer crystals. The crystals work just by soaking them in water and stay plump and hydrated for up to two full days. The crystals retain the coolness of the water and work in combination with the evaporation process against the skin to keep the wearer cool. 

The "Chill Out" by Rainbow Designs.  The "Chill Out" is a head/neck band that contains water-absorbing crystals that cool and expand when soaked in cold water.  More information about "Chill Out" can be obtained from Rainbow Designs, at PO Box 1317, Citrus Heights, CA 95611-1317 or call them at 916-725-1034

Sun Protective Clothing
Various companies make sun-protective clothing, including Sun Clothing, Etc. and Solar Eclipse.

Cool Vests
Different companies have different technologies, but there are a wide variety of "cool vests" available.  Most rely on some type of inserts (sort of like "gel packs") to keep the wearer of the vest cool.  Some use phase change material (which works a bit differently).  Many were originally made for industrial occupations (road workers, fire fighters, etc) but serve people with ichthyosis very well in their everyday lives.

Several companies who produce personal cooling systems are listed below.  Check out their websites for more information:

• TechNiche International
• Dura Kold
• Steele Vests
• Cool Sport