sun bathing/ sun beds

[Timboo]

hi, anyone no if i can sunbathe on holiday and use sun beds in the winter while taking methotrexate ?

[bpeal1]

You may find this article useful nras.org.uk/resource/photos...

[Gilliancheche]

As a matter of interest I have melanoma, first question they asked of me was have I ever used a sunbed.

[smilelines]

Stay away for the sunbeds. You don't need skin cancer.

[vonniesims]

I avoid the sun. Factor 50 and shade and clothes which cover up. I burn easily on Methotrexate. Info on the drug tells you to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight.

[Chocnbags]

yes I sunbathe and used to use sun beds just wear factor 50 to start with .

[Runrig01]

definitely not. I was advised to remain out of the sun. If I sit outside I ensure I’m in the shade, wearing a high factor sun cream. I developed hives all over my face, when I went to Spain visiting family, and I was only exposed to the sun, whilst sitting outdoors enjoying lunch. Not worth it.

[helixhelix]

if I accustom myself slowly to sun at the start of the year, with lots of factor 50 sunblock, then I can spend time outside walking and gardening with hat, shades and factor 30. I end up with a very light tan. Before I did this I woukd blister, and still have scars on the back of my neck.

but sunbathing and sun beds 😱

Having one chronic incurable disease why would I risk this?

If you want to be tanned then use fake tan! Much safer.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to helixhelix]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Jackie1947]

Never! High sun factor and don't expose yourself to full sun and definitely not a sun bed.

[Mmrr]

In a word ...no...not without putting your already increased risk of skin cancer even higher.

[Dayli1]

I am 70, grew up by the sea at a time when sunbathing was both fashionable and prevalent and I also have used sunbeds. I am now on 10mg methotrexate and would avoid sunbeds but careful exposure to sunshine wearing factor 30 results in a light tan for me with no problems even though I have fair sensitive skin prone to redness. Start with short periods and see how you go. BUT I know the medical advice is to avoid sunbathing on this medication and you will also risk skin cancer.

[Leics]

My husband had a SCC about 5 years ago totally out of the blue. So factor 50 shade and absolutely no sun beds is my advice. Sorry probably not what you want to hear but I’m now on mtx too so won’t be spending too much time in the sun if I can help it. I’ve found I don’t tolerate the heat very well these days anyway and find it so much more relaxing sitting in the shade and there’s not the scramble for the sun beds around the pool either. A holiday is still a holiday without being frazzled and wearing a hat and shirt if we are exploring makes sense to me. I generally avoid the hotter parts of the day and prefer to sit with a cold drink or coffee and just wile away the hours in comfort. But answer to your question is noooo it’s not worth it.

[J1707-]

I’ve just had a skin cancer removed. I was told we are more prone to it due to our meds . I’m on mtx and keep covered up use sunscreen and sit in the shade.

[nomoreheels]

It's advised that we're careful in the sun when taking MTX. Just be cautious, start on high factor, wear loose cotton or other natural fibres & seek shade when necessary. That said I lived in a sunny country when I was first diagnosed & took both hydroxychloroquine & MTX. As it was I had light sensitivity on HCQ & pretty much lived in sunglasses during the day. To keep my Vitamin D levels up naturally my Consultant advised (prescribed?) sitting in the sun without sunscreen for 20 or 30 minutes a day, depending on time of year. As it is I don't tolerate the sun as well as I used to, on hols we would be on the beach all day when I was younger, my poor h seeking shade!

I used to use sunbeds in the ‘80's & ‘90's, in fact I had one, but wouldn't nowadays. You can still react when on MTX. But there are plenty of good fake tans around, not that I bother with any, but it's the healthier & safer option. I see no point in risking radiation recall & burning as a result or worse, not when we have other issues we deal with daily.

[Poshcards]

Stay out of sun and use high factor screening cream when going out!!

[Hidden]

using sun beds has given me huge brown moles all over my torso that are lumpy enough to show through clothes. I used sun beds in my late 30s just for a few months, enough said I think.

[AgedCrone]

I spent years in hot countries sunbathing …never used a sunbed & I never burned.I always used high factor good quality sun creams.

I still went in the sun…..even when I was on Methotrexate …... and years later I developed skin cancer on my face.

Luckily I had a good surgeon & the resulting scar when the carcinoma was removed is not too visible, but it could have been! Thankfully it was a one off, for me, but I have a friend who gets repeat tumours & regularly has to have surgery….and he has some nasty scars.

Most cosmetic companies now make excellent fake tans…if I were you I’d leave the sun & sunbeds alone & use them instead.

[Susie-Q]

Sunbeds are banned in Australia due to the risks they pose. The weather presents enough problems for skin cancer rates here without adding sunbeds to the situation. I wouldn’t risk it on your medication. Get your tan out of a bottle or a spray tan before your holiday. Hope you have a lovely time.