Issues with sun and RA? | Arthritis Information

 

Since Summer is rearing it's head and my kids will certainly want to be out at the pool the whole time, I would love to know if there are and side effects with the sun and RA? Or the sun and Plaquenil or MTX? Has anyone heard or had any issues with this, so that I am prepared? Thanks so much!Good question, I'd love to know as well. Plaquenil makes you more sensitive to the sun.  Dunno about methotrexate. Yes MTX makes you more sensitive and also more prone to getting skin cancer. Can't remember if it's the  melanoma or less serious kind.

I've been on mtx and plaquenil for about 16 years and have never had a problem with the sun.  Then sulfasalazine was added and still no problem.  Sulfasalazine was then increased and that's when I noticed a problem.  I'd get red bumps that were itchy after being in the sun. Here in Australia Plaquenil comes with a label which says that excessive sunlight should be avoided at all costs! Wow! I have horrible reactions to the sun, especially UV sun, it can actually cause a flare and facial rash for me. I also take pred, so that doesn't help...

 _popupControl(); I just went on Actonel and that is another one that says keep out of the sun, but they never tell you why. I am also on Prednisone and MTX.  It is amazing how many things RA robs you of.  hi schell  i was advised to wear sun glasses while on plaqe  Get a big hat and a muumuu or some long sleeved light cotton shirts and long skirts, if you're worried. And a big pair of starlet sunglasses. I haven't had a problem myself but I met a woman at arthritis school who was on MTX and got a serious rash all over her legs from being in the sun for a few hours, so it can happen.hi gimpy just curiouse. what is arthritis school ..

Boney
I get integrated care at the arthritis centre and they have free educational classes you can sign up for, where they teach you stuff and tell you about resources, etc. They have classes like "Pain Management", "Complementary and Alternative Medicine", "Career and Work Options", 'Dietary Choices" and many others. So if you want to learn about something you can just register and go.

There's also an unrelated program called "Arthritis Self Management Program" (ASMP) that I believe might be available in the US as well.When I was taking mtx my rheumy told me to avoid the sun as much as possible and to be sure and use sunscreen. I, who don't ordinarily burn, managed to get a light burn in spite of how careful I was.   When I was taking MTX some time ago, the doctor warned me about sun exposure.  Now I'm on Plaquenil and have been told to be careful in the sun because I could burn more easily.  Then, last year when I had surgery for a detached retina, the eye surgeon told me that myself, and all blue eyed people,  should wear sunglasses whenever outside, even on partly cloudy days.  Now, I'm not saying I do this, but I have been warned.
AnnI was told that mtx plays with the photosites of the skin and makes us more sensitive to the sun.
Wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen on any exposed skin.
Add Planq to the mix and I think we should heed the warnings.
hi gimpy thanks for the reply.. it sounds really good..
i have not heard of this in the uk.. but it would be a good thing if there was..

I'm of the cap wearing brigade too.  Never go outside without putting it on - more so out of fear of damage to my eyes rather than skin. Great, looks like I get to look forward to white legs this summer!

This year my beach bag will consist of sunglasses, and a hat (I think I will save the moo moo for a couple of years)

Thanks for the replies guys, as I lotion up my legs and face from taking the kids to the go cart park for Spring Break. ( I am SO glad Spring Break is over!!!)^ Boney, we have a free RA clinic or "RA school" sponsored by the local arthritis foundation and govt.  Maybe look (google it) to see if the NHS or your state arthritis foundation runs a similar program, I've enrolled myself for one laster on in the year as I need some funky splints and I also need to know when to exercise and when to rest.


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