Hello,
My girlfriend found out she has rheumatoid arthritis around six months ago. Since then, she has been perscribed to take methotrexate and remicade. In 2 weeks, our high school band is going to Florida (we're both 17). She has been told to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants the entire time, because of the sunlight. She (obviously) was upset when she found this news out. My question that i am looking up for her is if there is a way around all of this, such as a type of sunscreen, that she may have have the freedom to wear what she wants. If anyone has any information as to what would work, please let me know. Thanks!!
Nate
Covering up is the best especially if she is sun sensitive. It is however less problem at a lower elevation than I higher one. I live in Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun, and cover up most of the time.
Other times, I do wear the heaviest UV rated sunscreen that is possible. She might consider buying the cutest hat and an coverup that helps protect overexposure.
At a higher altitude, the MTX did cause blisters and exposure to the sun worsens my symptoms so that does make it really hard.
One place to look for some good suggestions is www.lupus.org as with that disease you absolutely must avoid the sun.
Her creativity can help her come up with a compromise that will protect her health.
I always wear sunscreen. Since I started doing that, it has helped a lot.
Fishing: I have been mthx now for just about 2 years. I do a LOT outside in the summer, garden, outside art festivals from about 7 am - 6pm on Sat & Sun. I really do not see anymore reaction from the sun than before. I am careful if I do feel any burn--I always have suncreeen on my face. I would suggest she do what she would normally do. One thing I have noticed is my eyes are more sensitive to the light. They always have been being blue, but I have always worn sunglasses and continue to do so. I would not go outside in sunlight without them. Use some common sense. I've been on MTX for about 16 months now. I've blonde and fair skinned--and have always burned pretty easily. To tell you the truth, I don't notice much difference since being on MTX. I am more careful now, and if I'm going to be out in the sun for longer than 15 minutes, I slather myself with sunscreen. The stuff I use now has an SPF of 45. I also bring a loose long sleeve shirt with me and slip that on if I feel like I'm starting to burn.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202355.htm l
Try the site above for your methotrexate and other medical questions. Probably not that much sun in Florida this time of year but be careful and have fun.
I've been on mtx for 15 years and have never covered up when in the sun. I haven't had any problems so far. I don't wear sunscreen either.Nate,
what we tell you is a well and good because it is based on our individual experiences. She was given medical advice by her doctor. He knows her, her skin type, her history with the sun. He gave her that advise for a good reason. As a person who has experienced HORRIBLE blistering sunburns thinking my sunscreen would counteract any methotrexate solar sensitivity believe me when I say the last thing she wants to do while in Florida is find out how sensitive she may be. Have her work with her doctor to find a reasonable compromise
Wow, are you a great boyfriend or what! Depending on which part of Florida you are visiting, it may be cool enough so that sleeves and pants will be just right. Of course, she has to listen to her doc. I would get the strongest suncreen available and use it often. The big hat idea is good, too, you will see lots of those there. Or just a baseball cap, since y'all are so young. I hope all our Florida members will chime in here with their experiences. Have a wonderful time! Pat
I know you do have to be careful of the sun on MTX and its best to follow doctors advice. For me, I use sunscreen and a hat but sometimes lots of sun is unavoidable and the uv here in New Zealand is wicked because we are under a big ozone hole.
I havent found any difference, I think its just normal care and avoidance, I shouldnt think long sleeves and long pants are necessary IMHO, and you wouldnt catch me doing it. Maybe a wee telescope brolly or parasol for if she is being overeposed, a cute trendy one that she can pull out of her back pack if absolutly necessary. A cute cap or hat and sunscreen should do it, surely.
I think we're all going to vary on this; but I think the test of time is the best indicator.
I've been on it for 4 years and don't burn that much. She'll need to see how she reacts to it. I think a good sunscreen is advisable.
I think a total cover up is a little over the top.....but she'll need to be careful until she knows for sure how she'll react.
A high value sunscreen like spf 45 found in copertone's Waterbabies is a good idea for the beach for everybody who is not accustomed to long days of sun, water and sand. Wearing hat is a super idea too and a duster type cover up is too.
Nothing ruins a great vacation quicker than a bad sunburn on the 1st day.
She can wear her bikini in the shade of a beach umbrella!
I got the tops of my feet fried whiile on MTX at the beach - forgot to put sunscreen there - the rest of me with sunscreen was fine.