Reminder to new MTX users - your sensitivity to the sun is likely to be increased.

The weather has been so awful that I had forgotten that I had read about this side-effect. Yesterday, I enjoyed a lovely, lazy day watching the bees buzzing around the dandelion flowers in my knee height grass (we're doing No May May) and basking in the weird warmth of the shining orb. I now resemble a lobster. Fortunately, it's not sore but it's definitely reminded me that I need to be more careful whilst on MTX.

[SheffieldJane]

Timely reminder, thanks!

Prednisalone has this effect too, I believe.

[123-go]

Thank you for this which prompted me to look up Arava (Leflunomide) for photosensitivity. Yes, it can cause the same so I'll be more aware while outside. I don't think it's in the list of side effects in my leaflet but will check later. If it isn't included it certainly should be.

[Coffeebeans]

Good reminder thankyou. I'm red haired so need factor trillion at the best of times.

Hope the glow reduces soon!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred can do it too!

[MrsNails]

A Timely Reminder 🌞 Yes, a Good Facial Moisturiser with an SPF of 30 is an excellent idea as you will end up with (more) freckles or worse Sun Spots & use a Sun Cream with an SPF as your Moisturiser for arms, shoulders & legs in Sunny Weather 🌞 😎 ☀️

Remember

If you wear an SPF all the time, you won’t get any benefit from the Sun for Vitamin D so remember to keep taking your tablets!

[jinasc]

Not only MTX

Pred+sunshine can and does cause cataracts to either grow faster or come along.

Sunglasses on all the time and if your already wear glasses, change to re-actolite rapide.

We are not told that when diagnosed so a good optician once on pred.

[WhiteVanMum]

Thank you, I had absolutely no idea taking MTX would increase my photosensitivity. I've been out in the sun and usually wear Factor 30 or 50 anyway on my face/neck/arms. I don't usually bother with my legs as they don't usually burn. They did this week which shocked me and I put it down to the fact that they haven't seen the sun in ages, now I know the real reason! Cheers