Mtx and sun

[Kathyem]

Hi, I take a shot on fri nights, now we are getting the nice weather! If I sit in the sun, on the fri during the day, would things be amplified if i got burnt for my shot later that night? Tks

[SoulmanPaul]

Hi. You need to take precautions at all times once youre on Mtx...not just after taking it.

Take care

Paul

[Kathyem in reply to SoulmanPaul]

Thanks Paul, I do put 60 spf, and keep reapplying, and be mindful of bow long ouf for! So, would it be amplified?

[SoulmanPaul in reply to Kathyem]

Youre welcome. In effect yes. My rheumy nurse told me we're at greater risk of skin cancer and to be extra careful when out in the sun. Sounds like youre doing the right things though...and good for you!

[nomoreheels]

No, it doesn't work like that I'm afraid. As MTX builds up it reaches a point where it remains stable in the body at your dose, called a maintenance dose, so there's no time it's less likely to have an effect on how the sun may affect your skin (photosensitivity). It's best to use the SPF that you usually use to be safe, or increase it if you find MTX is making you more sensitive & you start burning, & ensure it has UVA protection

[Kathyem in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi, wow! I guess that makes sense! Well, have already come to terms with not going to the beach to suntan! Bought a couple maxi skirts!

[nomoreheels in reply to Kathyem]

Please do be careful, you just don't know how your skin will react when MTX is new to you & your skin sees the sun the first time on it. Good idea to buy light clothing, covering exposed areas can't harm at all.

[bevlin]

Please don’t sit in the sun unless you are fully under a shade. I’ve been in MTX for over 20 years and am now being treated for numerous skin cancers. It’s not just the meds, RA itself attacks the immune system which affects how our skin ‘mends’ itself. I cover up in cotton kimonos and cover my legs and head if I have to be in the sun and wear full sunscreen on my face and hands.

Can’t help thinking that in my case the damage is done after years of frying in the sun 😞

[Gnarli in reply to bevlin]

I can't "like" your post given your suffering but thank you for sharing your experiences. A salutory warning for all of us. Hugs

J

[bevlin]

To be fair I think most of the damage was done when I was a child, no one had heard of sun protection , sun screen etc. We played out and if we got a bit of sunburn then mum put some calamine lotion on us....think everyone is much more aware now xx

[Nuttyshirlz]

Hi

I’ve fair skin so I burn easily. I always use a factor 50 all year long.

I’ve a cousin she has got skin cancer and she doesn’t go out in sun.

But we never used sun cream years ago.

But we live and learn.

I started use sun cream years ago before I started on methotrexate.

I’m even wear a hat since my hair not thick anymore.

🙂

[Pamelah5]

Hi Katheyem,

I was told by my Rheumatology nurse to sit in sun for 1 - 1.5 hours a day to get vitamin D then apply suncream. She said so many adults and children are vitamin D deficient as they're covered top to toe with suncream.

I'm not absorbing Vitamin D so take capsules prescribed this is from being Coeliac also needing to follow FODMAP diet as well as having RA

But to wear sunglasses especially if taking hydroxychloroquine as this causes light sensitive.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

Pamela x

[nomoreheels in reply to Pamelah5]

I was also 'prescribed' sitting in the sun without sun protection by my first Consultant. Different times though as I lived in the sun so 20 or 30 minutes depending on the time of year. I think you're the first person I've come across told to do similar. Fortunately back here my Vit D has always been 50 or more so not needed to supplement. I also had light sensitivity on HCQ & lived in sunglasses but again it was whilst abroad so just fitted in.

[Pamelah5 in reply to nomoreheels]

It makes sense to be in the sun sensibly without sun protection being a natural source. Its more recent years with health scare of skin problems everyone completely blocking sun when so beneficial was told not only for Vitamin D. But Ricketts is on the increase not just in children also adults.

[Kathyem]

Thank you, for all the replies!

[Hobbledehoy]

And don't forget a sunhat! Life gets a bit complicated, I know, but unexpectedly I started reacting to sun on my scalp, which became v itchy & hot. Best wishes.