Laser hair removal - methotrexate/sulfasalazine photo sensitivity

[Pixiehix]

Hi there, I've very recently been diagnosed with RA and about to start treatment. I started laser hair treatment removal in October and I am about to start treatment on methotrexate or sulfasalazine. My skin clinic is closed so I can't contact them for advice. Methotrexate can cause photo sensitivity and wonder if anyone has experience of using either drug while undergoing laser hair removal or if it will mean I can't continue with it because of reactions I may have if I'm on either drug? Thank you for any advice.

[KittyJ]

Hi Pixie, you really should talk to your rheumy about this as they are the best ones to advise you if it’s safe not us. Even if someone else has had it that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. Failing that I would ask my pharmacist but you won’t be able to have the treatment for a while anyway so you’ve time to find out 😊

[allanah]

That's a detailed problem and if your skin clinic is closed that's a problem. But can you call the dermatologists admin and ask for advice . Or call rheumy who may be able to help. It's a finely balanced issue for them to work out xx good luck x

[Hidden]

Can’t directly advise (no one here can), and as others have said, what might be alright for one isn’t necessarily alright for someone else, but when I made enquiries about laser tattoo removal, the skin clinics I contacted all said no as a result of the mtx. However, some (reputable) tattooists offering it said the mtx wasn’t an issue - make of that what you will. I never spoke to my rheum about it in the end because covid happened, but they would be your best - and probably only safe - port of call.

[Dolindocurmi]

I was taking it for many years and my hair thinned out very much. I’m taking small dose of Olumiant in the morning not evening. So far so good. Hope this helps.

[Maneskin]

First off, hugs on starting RA treatment. I have been there. I did laser while on sulfasalazine and no major issues. I just doubled down on sunscreen. Didn't affect my sessions much. However, I also use a professional hifu machine jontelaser.com/collection/h... . But hey, everyone's skin reacts differently. Could you check with your doctor?

[bpeal1 in reply to Maneskin]

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