Elswick : Is it not good to sit in the sun with RA - NRAS

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Elswick

Elswick profile image
14 Replies

Is it not good to sit in the sun with RA

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Elswick profile image
Elswick
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14 Replies

Factor 50, big hat and opt for shade. Just more sun sensitive on methotrexate.

JanetMaryBishop profile image
JanetMaryBishop

Apparently so - I think RA sufferers are more prone to sunburn etc and it isn’t good for the eyes either - I don’t really like too much heat so not a problem for me!

JanetMaryBishop profile image
JanetMaryBishop

Meant to say I flew up to Orkney today - not much chance of too much sun here this week so that’s me fixed! J

Jarme profile image
Jarme

Hi again Elswick,

Methotrexate can make your skin sensitive to sunlight! Wear lots of sunscreen!☀️☀️

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

As a fair skinned ginger it makes no difference !!!

Boudica1 profile image
Boudica1 in reply to medway-lady

Burn and/or freckles the one good thing about it now is I'm an adult so don't have mum scrubbing me when they join together and look like a dirty smudge.

keeta profile image
keeta

Hi all .not on mtx any more .thank god.

Winter is really bad for my RD .summer is so much easier on my joints.love it xx

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

For what it's worth I was diagnosed with Sero+ RA 20 years ago...have been on many Dmards including Mtx & have sunbathed all over the world & never had any problems.

I sit in the sun sensibly, I use bottles of factor 30 ...not just once but applying very regularly, & avoid the beach between 10am & 3pm.

If you were able to be in the sun before your diagnosis you may be able to spend time in the sun, but not flat out on a sunbed all day.

Speak to your rheumy nurse...there may be a specific reason why you in particular should avoid the sun.....but some of us can be in the sun & not suffer.

From looking out the window this morning though, sadly I think an umbrella rather than a sunshade will be the order of the day!

Matilda_1922 profile image
Matilda_1922 in reply to AgedCrone

I'm told I need to be in the sun (when we have any sun) for about 20-30 minutes a day because my vitamin D keeps dropping. But I notice that I can burn easily if too much due to methotrexate.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Matilda_1922

I presume you are not doing the whole 20-30 minutes in one go?

If you are, have you tried a few sun, or outdoor, sessions in short spurts?

If you are still uncomfortable ask your medics if you can use the under the tongue Vit D spray. I use that from October through to March. Oddly, as I do spend a lot of time in th sun, my Vit D levels were very low & my

Rheumy recommended the spray.

I wonder why some people have so much trouble in the sun with Mtx. I found no difference....but I could always be in the sun...were you sun sensitive before you took Mtx?

Matilda_1922 profile image
Matilda_1922 in reply to AgedCrone

Thank you for your reply

I don't stay out for long in the sun I put factor 50 sun lotion on my face and 30 for rest of body as I will burn.

I've also take over the counter vit d just doesn't do much for me.

I've recently had a loading dose of vitamin d but completed the course about a month ago.

When I ask any health professional I always get the same answer that lots of people have vitamin D deficiency in the UK.

I know when it's low my fatigue is worse and I feel very low.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Matilda_1922

My rheumy reckons the spray is absorbed better than tablets.in fact I think my GP was quite put out when my VitD went up& stayed up on the spray because she wanted me to take the tablets.

I reckoned anything was worth a try & it seems to work for me, but maybe if yours is constantly dipping it might not be right for you.

But I do usually go to a sunny place at least three times a year, so that probably helps.

Ssmart profile image
Ssmart

I’m on hydroxy and that can also make you more sensitive to the sun, I sat for an hour or so in garden when we had the hot spellast month, and after I went in I had really bad pins and needles in arms and legs for about 12 hours, and my leg and shoulder were rather red, I’ve never burnt so fast or had pins needles TIL recently x

Elswick profile image
Elswick

No I have always loved the sun but spoke to a lady week end and it was her who said when your on methotrexate be careful dr never mentioned it so it was just a concern I had no I am a sun worshiper can’t give that up hugs

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