Beware of sunshine!

[Cokopops]

Hello all. I’m aware that being on Hydroxy you must be careful in the sunshine. But in the shade too? I sat in the garden yesterday for no more than 20 minutes, in the swing that has a canopy. I burned my arms and the top of my head hurts as well. And I had factor 50 cream on.. not in my hair though… From worshipping the sun when younger, I now will avoid it completely. Anyone else on hydroxy now burn easily in the sunshine?

[ainslie]

sun bounces off surfaces so even under a umbrella etc one can burn easily, factor 50, hat and cover up if poss

[katiewalsh]

Hi. Just an FYI, there is clothing (lightweight) that’s supposed to provide SPF protection of 50. Katie

[Ebot in reply to katiewalsh]

Yes. Look for Solbari (Australian make) and Coolibar (US). Neither cheap. If you’re in the U.K. watch out for import duties if bringing in from US - or find a friend flying in! Quality good in both cases and go beyond the traditional trekky / safari type styles. Otherwise the usual outdoorsy labels. Check out Uniqlo as well. They have a few items of ‘sun protection’ clothing. Not entirely sure how reliable it is. Have bought some ‘sun protection’ shirts off Amazon. No idea what’s in the fabric! Could just be a long sleeved shirt! Some of the Spf 50 hats available via Amazon do seem genuine. I’ve not burnt. And Roche Posay for sunscreen seems the favourite - lots of options for face.

[ainslie in reply to Ebot]

I have bought shirts from Rohan UK which alleg block out UV

[Ebot in reply to ainslie]

I think the Rohan shirts are probably v good but a bit ‘trekky / safari’ in style for me. Some manufacturers claim the UV protection washes out after X washes. I have a feeling the Coolibar and Solbari fabric have the UV protection woven in.

[RazB]

sadly, it’s no more sun for us Hydroxy takers! I’ve been on it for years and have gradually accepted that it’s definitely better head for the shade and to have loose and long clothing. And a hat with a brim, baseball cap no good for me as offers no neck/shoulder protection. I wear factor 50 even in winter just to be sure. Wind, water, reflection can all lead to burning too. I feel quite sick if I’m in sun for too long, it’s an odd feeling in my head, as though my head is being squeezed by a big metal clamp! Like you I’ve been a sun lover all my life but now warm shade has become my new friend! X

[Cokopops in reply to RazB]

Thank you…I thought I was going crazy! I was trying to explain to my husband what was wrong with my head.. I said it was like having a heavy hat on my head, not quite a headache, more sore head. Just as well I love tennis these days, glued to French open. I’ll just pray for clouds..and won’t tell anyone. 😉

[Otterfield]

I going to disagree a little that Hydroxycarbamide means no more sun. If you use strong sun cream and wear a wide brimmed hat, you can still enjoy the sun. I have very fair skin and was on Hydroxycarbamide for about 16 years, during which time I visited some Greek islands and the south of France. I didn't burn. Just take precautions and you should be fine. My main concern would be heat stroke, which would mean staying indoors in extremely hot weather I think.

[Cokopops in reply to Otterfield]

thank you for your reply. Perhaps the fact that I’m in my 80th year has something to do with it? Thinner skin.. All I know is I had factor 50 sunscreen on and in the shade of the canopy and I burned. I’ve also had 8 basal cell carcinoma, so unless I dress like a nun from head to toe 😉 I’ll avoid this ball of fire

[Otterfield in reply to Cokopops]

Ah I see, yes perhaps thinner skin might make a difference. We probably do change. I have found that, although my skin seems okay in the sun at the moment, my tolerance of heat is much lower than previously. I go for about a three mile walk every day and have really struggled in this recent hot weather, feeling quite unwell at times. I don't know whether this is age (I'm 61) or a side effect of last year's SCT.

[RazB in reply to Otterfield]

I do go in the sun and I don’t burn because I’m seriously in it with long clothes and cream but my skin can definitely feel very uncomfy afterwards. I guess we are all different!

[Nikon7]

I picked up a bunch of AK (pre-cancers) while on HU for 18 months. Red head/freckles - wore sunblock with zinc. Now we watch them.

[Janis12]

Hi, I wear factor 50 sun block all year round as I lead an outdoor life and take hydroxy. I have found some wearable clothing in Mountain warehouse which contains UV protection, I use for cycling and walking and it looks 'normal'. I also wear a hat with a brim when outside doing activities or sometimes a wide head band, I am fair skinned and do not want to take any risks. Stay safe.

[Scrollernut]

I’ve been on Hydrea for almost three years and so far have no problem with being in the sun but I certainly don’t overdo it and go to a dermatologist every 6 months. I will admit I don’t use sun screen as religiously as I should and the dr gets on my case. I just forget. She said put the lotion near my toothbrush to help me remember. I don’t stay out in the hottest part of the day and do my yard work early morning or late afternoon. I do have sun damage ( I’m 80) but I was also raised in west Texas and we never protected ourselves back then. So there’s been a few years of living in the sun!!!🤪. But don’t take unnecessary chances. I’ve had several skin cancers taken off my face and while most were a breeze I’ve had a couple that were quite intensive. Has to use what is called a Mohs procedure. They were not fun! So, heed the doctors and protect yourselves. It’s worth it.