Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight During treatment with methotrexate, and for several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun and your skin may burn more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but always wear a high protection suncream and protective clothing.
For me, I don't think sunscreen is the answer. I just use common sense and stay protected with clothing or shade if I'm going to be out for any extended amount of time. For the most part, I just go out and enjoy the sun.Good reminder!
Unfortunately, for me, I didn't need it. I've been dealing with skin cancer for past few years, multiple "freezings" and even full-on surgeries. That's what I get for being a long-haired blond, green-eyed girl growing up on beaches+pools in So California as well as 2 years boating+scubadiving in Fla Keys.... I didn't stop all that until in my later 30s. Part was for the fun of it and part was because I was always so ill or recovering from it and hated how looking pale made me look like I felt. Of course, back in the 1960s-70s it was also a big vanity thing and we basically cooked ourselves! stupid-stupid-stupid
Now, I don't leave my bathroom in am without globbing on the high # sunscreen. Dermatologist insists. RD says my daily 2,500u vit D supplements have brought my lab result to normal range again so to go ahead with always wearing sunscreen.
I have to admit, though, that with all that going on, I did indeed forget about the Metho doing that, so others may have forgotten too. Thanks,
CathyMarie
Don't forget antibiotics too! The minocycline I am using as a DMARD can cause skin issues as well.
Cathy, I remember slathering on baby oil with iodine in it for a nice "healthy" glow! May as well have then added "Bake at 350 until golden brown".
Ah well, if a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his butt!
Thanks for the reminder. I made a mistake last summer, stayed out too long and ended up with a rash that stayed with me for about a week. Oh believe me, I've just been reminded of this with the burn from hell on my arms after a day out ATVing with some friends. Now I know what a lobster feels like.
Bob
[QUOTE=kelstev]For me, I don't think sunscreen is the answer. I just use common sense and stay protected with clothing or shade if I'm going to be out for any extended amount of time. For the most part, I just go out and enjoy the sun.[/QUOTE]
Yea but you're much farther north than lots of folks here - 15 minutes in the sun down in the Southern states can give me a sunburn but I can be out for quite a while up in northern Wisconsin without any problems.[/QUOTE]
Don't let the fact that I live in Canada fool you....15 mins in the sun where I live will also leave you with a sunburn.
I agree with Kelstev, I'm probably further North than all of you and it was so beautiful here a month ago. It was after 2pm, (the harmful rays are supposed to be less) so I put a lawn chair on the deck and thought I'd get some Vit D the natural way. It was the end of April for Pete's sake and ALASKA. I thought I had a fever that evening, but when I looked in the mirror realized 30 min. of April sun was a mistake. Now I have a lovely v-neck tan.
Here's a link about OUR medications and the SUN....... DONT FORGET: we DO need some Vit D....... find a happy place..a little of the sun.. and a little of protection...
http://arthritis.about.com/od/arthritismedications/a/sun_sensitivity.htm
I am not so sure that where you live is as important as what kind of skin you have? some skin burns faster than others... you know yourself.. do what you think is appropriate for YOU...... erring on the side of being more careful.
anyone have any recommendations on a good super-effective sunscreen? there are a couple days a week i have little choice but be outside all day. though most of the time i'm fine under an umbrella, after 4pm the shade is virtually non-existent. i have a big hat and gloves, but the gloves don't seem to help at all and my hands are suffering!! my sunscreen, though 60spf, isn't quite enough. suggestions?
[QUOTE=alleneze]anyone have any recommendations on a good super-effective sunscreen? there are a couple days a week i have little choice but be outside all day. though most of the time i'm fine under an umbrella, after 4pm the shade is virtually non-existent. i have a big hat and gloves, but the gloves don't seem to help at all and my hands are suffering!! my sunscreen, though 60spf, isn't quite enough. suggestions?
[/QUOTE]
Many companies make clothing with high SPFs. I know Land's End has some stuff with SPF protection. RIT also makes a colorless sunscreen "dye" that you can use on your clothes just like a regular RIT fabric dye. As far as sunscreen applied to skin, I just use the local grocery chain's generic SPF 45 waterproof/sport sunscreen. Seems to work well enough for me, but I'm generally not out in the sun for long periods of time.
Neutrogena has a 100% sunscreen now. My daughter with Lupus and Porphyria who is not allowed sunlight on her skin but is outdoorsy told me about it. I'm getting it at least for my face and neck. Dermatologist will be thrilled.
My vit D is in normal range now, with supplements, so I don't have to worry about risking more skin cancers from trying to get D naturally. No matter how great the specially trained dermatologist surgeon is, there is still scarring and it's no fun having it on my face.
So if one has a disease or medication or cancer risk that prohibits sun on skin, it is wise to use a good sunscreen, hat, clothes and sunglasses every day.
But take heart..... doing those means we too can enjoy the sun!
My daughter hikes and enjoys the ocean at it or in it (dogbeach, kayaking, whalewatchingboat). I love the delicious feeling of warm sunshine! I enjoy pools, lakes, ocean. When I get out, I'm just careful to reapply sunscreen, cover-up and put my hat back on. Except when actually swimming, I always have sunglasses on... have since a teenager to prevent squinting and have a relaxed face. Good thing I did; at 59, I have no wrinkles furrow between my eyes (at least I did 1 thing right).
Those of you in Australia and New Zealand are the experts. I get my hats from a company there called Coolibar. They put sun protection into the fabrics somehow. They offer a wide variety of outdoor clothes. Hats off to you! ...oops, we aren't supposed to take our hats off!
Cathy
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