Hydroxycarbamide and Sun exposure

[Smudger0122]

Title hopefully says it all,

How careful do you have to be in and around sunshine whilst on hydroxycarbamide.

Thanks

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hi Smudger, the advice is that: Hydroxycarbamide can cause changes to the skin, such as skin darkening. It may increase the risk of skin cancer, so please take extra care in the sunshine. If you are taking hydroxycarbamide you need to protect yourself from the sun with adequate clothing, sunscreen and a hat – and where possible stay out of the sun.

There was another post this morning about this, from Cokopops, healthunlocked.com/mpnvoice...

[Smudger0122 in reply to Mazcd]

Thank you, so basically lotion up in the sunshine at all times.Hope today's exposure in and out doesn't go against me!

Thanks for link

[lakeview65]

Sunshine is also an issue for me since I live in sunny Florida and on a lake in North Carolina. I play tennis which makes it difficult to cover up and I sweat off SPF lotion. Before I started on Hydroxyurea I already had 2 Basel cell spots that have been taken care, but I also have had to use the chemo cream on my face(spot treatment).The chemo cream is wicked, not a pleasant experience at all. I try to lotion up but you have to re-apply so for every errand I run it is not possible but I try to do the best I can without going crazy and limiting my time outdoors. Rashguards for swimming offer much protection.

[Otterfield]

When I was on Hydroxycarbamide I didn't take extra precautions but as I have pale skin I was used to protecting myself. I would say don't be afraid of short periods in the sun (Vitamin D) but slap on the sun cream for anything over about 15 minutes.

[EPguy]

I recall posts discussing this problem. It seems particular caution for those with fair skin, which is not unique to HU. But extra protection is good for anyone on HU.

I was on it for over a year and didn't take as much care as I probably should have in sunny southern Calif. But got lucky so far and olive shade skin may have helped. But with longer HU therapy it would increase the odds of problems for any of us I expect.

[Smudger0122 in reply to EPguy]

Thank you all for your wise responses

[quanglewangle]

HelloNo-one in my family has ever had a problem with sun exposure so I did not pay much heed to the injunction to avoid exposure - and even used a sun cab to avoid looking like a pale pink blob during the non-summer seasons. Then I started to develop a patch on my nose and on my temples and on the top of my (shiny) head - Actinic Keratitis. After a course of Efudix - with major sore scabbing - it seems to be mostly under control and now I keep covered all the time and wear a hat year round. I also seem to be developing most of the other possible side effects (Erythromalalgia, Peripheral Neuropathy, Pruritis etc and although these can all occur without Hydroxycarbamide involvement I am sure that it is not a coincidence.....

Now I am developing Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea - oh happy day! but I say it is what it is, keep taking the tablets and carry on. Hats on peeps!

[Smudger0122 in reply to quanglewangle]

Thanks for your help

[Lifam]

I do have morning walk exercise everyday , I wear long sleeves top even in hot summer, and sunscreen 50+ on my legs when wearing shorts in summer and sun hat. And have been fine the past 3 years. As long as we have protection for our face and right clothing.

[Smudger0122 in reply to Lifam]

Thank you, best of luck in this heat today. If your in UK

[Lifam in reply to Smudger0122]

Summer in UK should be beautiful. I live in Australia and our summer can be very hot compare to UK.

[summerdown]

Hi. I was told to be very careful. Sunburn can lead to ulcers or skin cancer especially if you take HC. I use factor 50 on my face every day and rub it into my hands. I don't sunbathe. I do sit outside in the shade - not in glaring sun. Its about 30 deg at the moment so a bit hot anyway. but in the UK it's not usually a problem keeping out of the sun !

[Smudger0122 in reply to summerdown]

Thanks. Will wear lotion at all times in any sunshine temperature.Just really hate that lotion feeling, but is better that causing skin complaints.

[summerdown in reply to Smudger0122]

good for you. You get used to it - try a few until you find one to suit. it's a pain - but so is ET. Take care - keep safe

[Orangeboykitty]

I live at 2000 feet in southern Israel, so I've opted for non-chemo meds, first Pegasys and now Besremi.

[Smudger0122 in reply to Orangeboykitty]

Im under Guy's, eventually will be moved off HU and possibly onto interferon.Thanks for reply

[Wyebird in reply to Smudger0122]

I believe that once you’ve been on Hydroxicarbomide you are still vulnerable when you come off it. Not sure though.

[Smudger0122 in reply to Wyebird]

Ok thank you

[GarciaB]

Be very careful. Sun shirts, large brimmed hats, sunscreen on exposed skin. Try to avoid 10am-2pm

[Smudger0122 in reply to GarciaB]

Ok thanks

[Janis12]

Hi, I have been on Hydroxycarbomide for just over two years and recently developed a sore area on my forehead. This sore turned out to be Actinic Keratosis or 'sun damage'. I do not visit hot countries and do not sun bathe (difficult anyway in the north of England) and have never used sun beds but I do lead an outdoor life being a cyclist, a keen walker and also a horsey person. Since taking Hydroxy I have used factor 50 sun block all year round and pretty much keep covered up, even purchasing some sport clothing with UV protection in it. Of course our face is exposed but wearing cycling and riding helmets with peaks I am surprised this area on my forehead has now become damaged. Whilst I did panic initially I now wear my shorts again and just make sure that I rub the sun block into all exposed skin and I re-apply regularly, even when the instructions advise 'all day protection'. I have been prescribed Efudix cream to treat the area of sun damage. My dermatology nurse advised to wait until the winter to commence treatment as exposure to the sun and heat would make the process more uncomfortable and also there was no urgency. A cycling friend of mine has experienced the same problem and he does not take hydroxy but I must say the treatment made his skin much worse before it got better so I am dreading starting with mine. My view is that we have to live a life and enjoy what we do but have to be vigilant, it is a nuisance. I get the sun block on prescription and because it affects our absorption of Vit D I also get this on prescription, some consolation I suppose. I Hope it all goes well for you.

[Smudger0122 in reply to Janis12]

Thank you.Will make sure that I keep myself covered with suncream and clothing.

Hope your treatment goes well.

Kind regards

[Exeter21]

I sail lots so difficult with sun . I just use factor 50 & cap & all fine but hydroxy just left my skin that is usually tanned looking white & never any colour which I understand is the normal on it. Professor Harrison at Guys made mention that sun fine if hat & factor 50 👍

[Smudger0122 in reply to Exeter21]

Thank you Happy sailing