Hi I’m looking for some advice before going on holiday in a few weeks.
I seem to have developed an allergy to the sun! I went discovered this when I went to Tenerife in February this year. Although the weather was pretty mild I caught the sun on my arms and chest.
I developed a rash and awful stinging sensation on my skin. After googling the symptoms I think the reasons for the sensitivity is due to the autoimmune disease.
What can do to avoid this ruining my next holiday?
Kind regards
I get tingling in the sun and even afterwards almost like pins and needles once indoors, since being on hydroxy.
Either the med or the condition for me but a tiny bit of strong uk heat is enough to trigger it. Maybe if you’re on meds look at the side effects and speak to your healthcare team or gp?
All the best enjoy your holiday 😁
X
Use highest factor
Hi, it’s usually the medication which causes the sun sensitivity. Try using Factor 50 sunscreen, wear long sleeves, hat and sunglasses. In Australia we call it “Slip, Slop, Slap”, hope this helps cheers Deb 
It ended up being SulfaSalazine (misspelled?) for me. I had to wear sun clothing all last summer. Talk to your rhuematologist and they will hopefully find out the culprit!
For me it was all of the drugs! Just on methotrexate I was sensitive, added hydroxy and it got worse, and then with sulpha I was hiding indoors.
YaniBci's slip, slap, slop is the way to go. I also have UV trousers and t shirts for gardening. Strangely it has got better over the years and I can use factor 30 rather than 50.
Definitely slip, slap, slop plus your idea for UV clothes - you can find that sort of thing in most outdoor stores such as Cotswold, so that and high factor suncream applied regularly throughout the day and always wear a wide brimmed sun hat and try to stay out of direct sun although the suns rays can be reflected even when you think you’re ok.
Be very careful if you are very sensitive. I developed this when taking Doxycycline. We went away to The Canaries and any part of me that was uncovered, burnt. Even the skin under my nails. The latter took a long time to recover.
It's more likely the methotrexate, unless you weren't on it in February. It's a common issue, listed in the Patient Information Leaflet in the box. As others have said cover up in natural materials, cotton, linen etc & use a higher factor sun cream. Have someone check your skin regularly too as we often don't realise we're reacting until it's too late.
If you're going to the islands or mainland Spain I can recommend a very good product to help cool the skin, Babaria 100% Aloe Vera, around 5€. I used to buy it from the drogeria shop Druni but it is available elsewhere. Mia Beauty Shop online sell it but I can't vouch for them as I've not ordered through this company. It's very soothing & calming, soaks in beautifully & importantly works quickly. There are other aloe vera gels, just be sure it's 100% aloe vera. I've also cut a leaf of aloe vera that grew in the garden & squeezed out the gel to apply to oven burns etc but I don't recommend you go around just cutting leaves randomly!
Hi, its just another aspect of the helpful drugs I believe! I wear factor 50 as othets have said, even in lip balm, and cover up. Also regularly check your moles and freckles wether in the sun or not. I also bought a really good uv reflecting umbrella to use last year at an air show when we were sitting out on the grass in the heatwave. It was lovely and cool underneath. X
Oh yes, lips! Easy to forget and v painful when they burn....
It’s a shame you’re having problems down to the sun but think it’s an unfortunate side effect of meds. You will still be able to enjoy your holiday if you use a high factor suncream wear a hat and cover up if possible. I don’t do too well in the sun either so I stay in the shade whenever possible. A good aloe Vera after sun is a good idea too. If you burn badly then natural yogurt put directly on the skin is fab but smells quite a bit lol. Maybe if you experience hives or a rash then a antihistamine provided it does interact with meds should help too. Enjoy your holiday but try to avoid sitting directly in the sun especially during midday.
Sorry silly fingers I meant ‘doesn’t’ interact with your meds.
If you're looking for a good sunscreen recommendation then I've heard great things about the Riemann p20 range. My brother- in-law is ginger and really pale so he burns like crazy in the sun, but he swears by that range of sunscreens! Apparently it lasts all day, but probably still a good idea to top up regularly
I see from an earlier post that you are taking methotrexate. This is well known for causing sun sensitivity - see the patient information leaflet that comes with it. I can only suggest sp50 sun protection (usually a baby product), wide-brimmed hats, stay well covered and out of the sun - especially at its highest. It's still possible to have a good holiday like that - it just needs a bit of thought.
It’s defo not an allergy just a side effect of Medication. It’s very common just make sure you buy the highest factor sun protection.
I completely sympathise! I have had the horrible rash issues that you describe for many years, pre RA meds. My long tested approach to stop the beastie spots before they appear is to take 1 anti histamine tablet a day when in the sun. Any hayfever type tablet is good. I go for what ever is on offer. Use sun lotion, for me its factor 15 as I tan easily. I am 56 and have honed this approach over 30 years being a sun worshipper. Good luck!
Dear Mccarj2017,
I haven't read, quite deliberately, all your replies as I don't want it to, unduly influence, my reply to you.
Both Auto-Immune Conditions and the Drugs, used to treat them, INCREASE your Susceptibility To The Sun. I have a 'Triple Whammy' of Fair Skin, Vasculitis and Increased Immuno-Suppression- due to a Kidney Transplant, in July 2013. I am however Prescribed a Factor 50+ Sun Cream, apparently quite common for Transplant Patients. You might be able to get a Prescription yourself, otherwise your Local Pharmacy might have it. The Product is 'Sun Sense' Ultra SPF 50+ UVA and UVB Broad Spectrum Lotion. It is AVA Five Star, which is Maximum. It is Made, and Tested, in Australia. It is available as a 50ml Roll On and a 125ml Plastic Bottle. It also contains Vitamin B3 which, if my Chemistry still 'Holds Up' is Niacin (Nicotinic Acid- NOT to be confused, in ANY way, with Nicotine!)
Your own Doctor(s)/ Consultants, or indeed, local Pharmacist might have some other ideas Mccarj2017, so DO ask. My 'Other' advice is Stay Covered Up, Keep OUT the sun- from mid morning until late afternoon. (Forget the 11 until 3 bit- just go out in the morning and evening!). If/ When you DO go out, you WILL, then use the Sun Sense, as directed. You will find it non-greasy, to put on, although it does feel 'Clammy' after a few hours. (Take it Off, with a Shower gel/ Shampoo- you will be there 'All Day' with standard soap!)
Do try to find Sun Sense, or something similar, and ENJOY your Holiday Mccarj2017.
Kindest wishes
AndrewT
Myself, my daughter and granddaughter each had a similar experience when in the sun and now use Eucerin sunscreen. A bit more expensive but has solved the problem for the three of us. Might be worth a try!!!
Advice 
RA, Vitiligo & the sun
