Methotrexate and sun sensitivity

[Oxfordboy2]

Hullo,Does anyone have advice on what happens to your skin after stopping MTX.I have been on MTX for 2 years for LVV,the first year at 20mg the second at 15mg.I was not sensitive to the sun for the first year but this year within a short time of being outside my forearms develop a raised,slightly lumpy red rash.This does not appear anywhere else.My question is if I am lucky enough to go into full remission and are able to stop taking MTX Will my skin revert to normal or will I be sun sensitive for ever.I must stress that I am not on any other meds other than folic acid.Many Thanks

[Suzi70 Administrator Vasculitis UK]

Methotrexate produces a reaction called radiation recall. Areas where patients have had sunburns in the past may react again after starting methotrexate. Perhaps taking methotrexate for 2 years has made your skin more reactive in the sun?

It is advisable to use a high SPF sunscreen when out in the sun and a hat. Or sitting in the shade where possible.

If your symptoms are difficult to manage you doctor may be able to help?

[Oxfordboy2 in reply to Suzi70]

Thank you for your reply and information.It would appear that MTX may have changed my ability to enjoy sunshine as I used to.I love working in the garden but will now need to take precautions.Could I ask you how many people are diagnosed with LVV each year in UK.I have yet to find anyone in my circle of friends who had heard of it.

[Suzi70 Administrator Vasculitis UK in reply to Oxfordboy2]

There is more than one type of LVV , so it’s difficult to answer. If you have GCA LVV you might ask this question their HU community.

[DorsetLady in reply to Suzi70]

 Oxfordboy2 is a member of the PMGCAuk forum, but as his question was on MTX in particular, I suggested he asked the question on a forum where MTX is used more -

Might be worth asking on either NRAS or Vasculitis forums… more users of MTX on there…

[Suzi70 Administrator Vasculitis UK in reply to DorsetLady]

I answered the question regarding Methotrexate but he then asked about how many were diagnosed with LVV.

So I replied that there is more than one type of LVV , so it’s difficult to answer. If you have GCA LVV you might ask this question their HU community.

[DorsetLady in reply to Suzi70]

As I said, he did ask the same question on the PMRGCAuk forum… but on there not many patients with LVV who use MTX . As the query was more about MTX and sun sensitivity.. and I know other forums have more member that are more au fait with it, it was suggested he ask elsewhere… and you have kindly replied.

He didn’t ask about numbers on PMRGCAuk forum… and I’m not sure we could answer anyway… as you say it’s one of those illnesses that fall on both forums…depending on specific type of LVV

[Oxfordboy2 in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset Lady,Just to clear up my diagnosis my rheumatologist either says I have GCA/LVV and on some correspondence refers to Aortitis.I think these are the same.

[DorsetLady in reply to Oxfordboy2]

Both Vasculitis yes… afraid I don’t know the nuances other than aortitis is inflammation of the aorta, whereas LVV affects large vessels.