sun sensitivity

[Guest guest]

I can be in the sun for a couple of minutes and my face turns bright red.

People

think I am dying of the heat, when I actually feel no problems from heat, I am

just beet red, and very uncomfortable. So I stay out of the sun almost

completely. I too benefit from Washingtons cooler weather, especially where we

live, we hardly ever see the sun! I am also on premarin because of a

hystarectomy (sp). Thanks Kathy, Lynn aih

KATBERCOO@... wrote:

> From: KATBERCOO@...

>

> Dear Lynn:

>

> After 4 years + on prednisone, I have no tolerance for the sun at all. Even

> being out in it for a few minutes starts to make my skin start to feel

> prickly. I was sitting in my car recently and had the window rolled down

> with my elbow sort of hanging out. I sat there for maybe 10 minutes. My arm

> became beat red and burned like fire the rest of the day, even after the

> redness had subsided. Now, whenever we go out when it's sunny, I walk from

> shade to shade and never stand in the direct sunlight. Living here in the

> Seattle area is a great advantage. I'm one of the few people that actually

> prefers the cool overcast days.

>

> For : I was on hormone replacement for 7 years prior to AIH (I had to

> quit taking it then). I was told by my doctor that the hormones would make

> me more sensitive to the sun. After looking closely at the RX info, it is

> listed as one of the side affects. I had a similar experience to yours with

> a sunburn that I got on my chest from a low neckline. The pain was

> unbelievable and was 'deep down.' After that, even before the prednisone, I

> vowed never to get another sunburn.

>

> Kathy (AIH)

> Seattle area

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

I am shocked that you have not read more up on these drugs. They say to

stay out of the sun because of the huge sensitivity to sun and can cause

degree burns. Even with a high sunblock, you can very well burn badly.

Please talk to your Dr. about this, you should have been told this.

Ontario

[Guest guest]

Hi. I am on mxt and remicade as well. I have been having a very bad

time with the sun. After about 20 minutes my stomach get horrible

stomach cramps and I feel very lightheaded. I also look very red very

fast. I think 3 of my meds say to stay out of the sun. It is sort of

impossible to do that. Best of luck, and you are not alone.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I take 10-12.5 mg of MTX weekly (5 years) and haven't noticed any

change in my suseptibility to sun exposure.

That said, I'm olive skinned Italian, I rarely had much problem in my

life with the sun. BUT, I should also note that even though I don't

typically burn, I generally use a SPF 30 whenever I expect to be out

for extended periods. I just don't see the logic of tempting skin

cancer.

I'd say use 30 whenever you know you are going to be outside for any

length of time.

I might also note that my skin has less P during the summer, probably

due to getting more sun.

Stay Well,

[Guest guest]

Hi-

It's my first time posting here. Anyway, I was diagnosed with PsA

when I was in high school. I've always been very sensitive to the sun

(thanks to my Irish ancestors), and it's only been worse since I've

been on MTX (almost 3 years now).

SPF 15 is pretty weak protection for those who burn easily for

whatever reason. I wear SPF 45, and I still get burned if I don't

reapply every hour or so when I'm at the pool or the beach. I also

have sensitive skin, so I'm pretty picky with sunscreen. I've found

that Neutrogena's sensitive skin sunscreen in SPF 45 is great for the

face. I use their new(ish) aerosol spray sunscreen in SPF 45 for the

rest of my body. You can spray it in pretty much any position, so

it's great for those hard to reach areas.

For day-to-day wear, I use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it to

protect my face. If I know I'm going to be out in the sun more than

10 minutes that day, I'll add the sensitive skin sunscreen too.

Shade brand sunscreen is good too, but it's more expensive. It's

supposed to block UVA and UVB rays.

--Ladyevon

[Guest guest]

- it is definitely a possible reaction to sun when taking MTX. My

methotrexate is labeled (on the bottle) " You should avoid prolonged or

excessive exposure to direct and/or artificial sunlight while taking

this medicine. " I've heard of more than one person who has reacted to

minor exposure. You're taking a relatively small dose, so I wouldn't

think it likely - but everyone reacts differently, so it could be.

I don't know about Remicade and sun exposure. Either way, you should

report this to the prescribing doctor.

best regards,

sherry z

[Guest guest]

,

YES! MTX makes your skin very sun sensitive and also you must protect your

eyes. You may even have problems with headlights while night driving. I always

wear a hat when I am in the sun, as well

as at least a 30spf or more on my skin. You should also always read the

instructions that the Pharmacy gives you when you get your medicine so you know

the possible side effects and when

you should call your doctor if you have really adverse reactions. Be sure you

take your folic acid and I always take MTX at night before I go to bed in case

my stomach decides to react, I'll sleep through

it. Take care,

Janet in Ca

[Guest guest]

Several years ago, while on MTX, I was not warned about MTX and the sun

since things were much different then. I now have the beginnings of

cataracts due to sun exposure. Of course, the sun can cause cataracts for

anyone, but I was only in my thirties when it started. I had a horrendous

sunburn as well...Since I became liver-toxic on it, I may have just been

ultrasensitive, but it's something to remember.

It's helpful to use sunblock, not sunscreen..get a spray sports version

that is water resistant if you can find one strong enough. Reapply it

frequently and wear complete UV blocking sunglasses... Or be like me and

wear a wide hat, long sleeves and long pants yuck, old lady stuff, I

know...but you can make your sun protection attractive by using a sarong, a

pretty hat and big sunglasses..and please watch your toes when wearing

sandals. Blisters there are no fun at all. It seems to be the unexpected

places like the tops of your ears, upper lip, fingers and toes along with

the more obvious larger areas of the body that are affected when it's drug

induced sun sensitivity.

Enjoy summer...it can be fun with some modifications.

Delane

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4:51 PM

[Guest guest]

Hi and All, I found out from the chemist notes about the sun

sensitivity. Rhuemy didn't say anything or Doc. I also make sure I

research on the net about anything new I am taking, especially about

side effects and interactions. (I have taken MTX but had an allergic

reaction to it with my lungs.) MTX made me extremely sun sensitive,

especially my eyes. Couldn't stand being outside as it was just too

bright. I now take Sulfasalazine which is almost just as bad with the

sun sensitivity. I don't even hang out washing (lol, my version of

hanging anyway!) during the day, otherwise I would sizzle. I have

always had sensitive skin and am covered in freckles but these drugs

have made it almost impossible to spend any length of time outdoors

during the day. I use sunscreen and a light long sleeved shirt and

pants most times. I also make sure I don't stay out for longer than 10-

15 minutes at a time. I can feel my skin burning and can't handle it

anyway. Even just driving in the car - I will get burnt. I constantly

have a red tinge to my skin. LOL wait till the Sulfa turns my skin

yellow, then I'll be orange. I know I probably won't turn yellow - it

is just a funny thought. I tried to warn my sister about this who takes

MTX 7.5mg, but she really didn't heed me and ended up in a really bad

way, covered in blisters from half a day in the sunand very sick.

Stay careful

Janice

>

> Hi I have been taking MXT (only 5 mg) for about 4 months and I just

> had my second Remicade infusion I am having a lot of trouble with the

> sun I look like I spent the whole day outside instead of only a short

> time is it only me or dose everyone get this from the MXT? Can

> Remicade also do this I have not read that any where. I went to the

> beach Sunday and got the worst sunburn in many years. Do I need to

> apply sunblock every time I walk outside if so it is going to be one

> long summer. Does any one know a good sunblock for the face for

> sensitive skin I am using a 15 daily and its not working I look like I

> spent the day laying out. Thanks I hope everyone is well and staying

> out of the sun I know I will be trying although it is hard since I

> live at the Jersey Shore have a great day. LINDA

>

[Guest guest]

We've all agreed (correctly) that MTX can cause severe sensitivity to

the sun. I just wanted to point out, though, that everyone is

different. With my derm's approval, I've been sitting in the sun,

without sunscreen, since mid-March with no ill effect. I live in south

Louisiana and by now it is HOT. I started with only 5 minute exposure

at a time and watched carefully for a reaction. I increased 5 minutes

at a time until I'm now at 30 minutes front and 30 minutes back, which

is the max I will do without serious sunscreen.

I'm taking 12.5 mg MTX per week. I've had no sunburn and the sun seems

to be helping both my pustular P of palms and feet and the small amount

of plaque P I have on elbows and one hand. So, not everyone reacts

badly to the sun on MTX, even on relatively long exposure (1 hour

total) with no protection. BUT, this is being done under the

supervision of the derm and very slowly and cautiously.

I've never burned " easily " but have experienced some pretty bad

sunburns in the past. I'd say my skin is medium-toned, not too fair

but also not what you'd call " olive. " I still need to be careful and

watchful - even though I've had no problem yet, tomorrow could be

different. I keep a close watch on my skin as I sit out there - at the

first sign of redness, that will be the end of my sunbathing!

regards,

sherry z

>

> Just wondered whether there was some connection between Ps/PA and

> sensitivity to the sun.

[Guest guest]

I know that is has been stated here by many people that yes MTX can

cause an you to be more sensitive to the sun. There are other

medications that also make you sensitive as well that do not have a

label, such as antidepressants, Cymbalata for example. As,

sometimes we get into a habit of thinking of sun exposure as going

to the pool or the beach, but we got the majority of our sun

exposure driving in our cars everyday and forget to protect

ourselves. When I would drive to work, if I got stopped in a

traffic jam and the sun was out, I was burned on any exposed skin by

the time getting to work. So, I know of the sun sensitivity all too

well.

I would bring this up at every doctor appointments, and I still do,

and would have it dismissed. Sometimes it is discussed, but I have

been doing my own research on the medications I take and taking care

to cover up and the reactions I have as well as staying out of the

sun. But I have a 6 year old son who wants to go swimming and be a

normal boy and I am a single mom.

>

> >

> > Just wondered whether there was some connection between Ps/PA and

> > sensitivity to the sun.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Guys !

?? Thanks all for response on the audit?form?from SS.?

??? I have been sun sensitive since the cessation of methotrexate 2 years ago.?

I have received an exaggerated sunburn from it, and ceased taking it ever since.

However this reaction continues despite the fact I have stopped the medicine 2

years ago.??

??? I am on only Enbrel but still get dry, burning, swelling type?reaction on my

face when exposed to the sun on areas that were?previously affected.? My Dr.

has never heard of sun sensitivity from Enbrel alone, but I wonder if Enbrel may

be?responsible for the continuance of this?problem??? If anyone has experiences

similar - I would be happy to hear it - please. !? I can only go out at night

when the sun is low.?

thanks

Dawn

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn, I'm sorry to hear of your sun sensitivity. Any difference if you use a

zinc-based sunblock? Either way, it sounds like a big hat is key for you.

I haven't had sun sensitivity w/ Enbrel, but as a redhead, I avoid the sun like

the plague. I burn in about 10 mins.

I'm from a family of red heads and my Dad used to make us swim in turtlenecks!

At the community pool!

Kate F

[ ] sun sensitivity

Hi Guys !

?? Thanks all for response on the audit?form?from SS.?

??? I have been sun sensitive since the cessation of methotrexate 2 years ago.?

I have received an exaggerated sunburn from it, and ceased taking it ever since.

However this reaction continues despite the fact I have stopped the medicine 2

years ago.??

??? I am on only Enbrel but still get dry, burning, swelling type?reaction on my

face when exposed to the sun on areas that were?previously affected.? My Dr.

has never heard of sun sensitivity from Enbrel alone, but I wonder if Enbrel may

be?responsible for the continuance of this?problem? ?? If anyone has experiences

similar - I would be happy to hear it - please. !? I can only go out at night

when the sun is low.?

thanks

Dawn

[Guest guest]

I'm very pale and blonde and have very sensitive skin to the sun. I can wear

extremely high SPF and still burn even in limited doses of sunlight. I know

antibiotics, birth controls, and my Sulfasalzine warns me to stay out of

sunlight. I'm wondering if its not just medications that can cause this for us,

but perhaps the RA as well?

ferretown@... wrote:

Hi Guys !

?? Thanks all for response on the audit?form?from SS.?

??? I have been sun sensitive since the cessation of methotrexate 2 years ago.?

I have received an exaggerated sunburn from it, and ceased taking it ever since.

However this reaction continues despite the fact I have stopped the medicine 2

years ago.??

??? I am on only Enbrel but still get dry, burning, swelling type?reaction on my

face when exposed to the sun on areas that were?previously affected.? My Dr.

has never heard of sun sensitivity from Enbrel alone, but I wonder if Enbrel may

be?responsible for the continuance of this?problem??? If anyone has experiences

similar - I would be happy to hear it - please. !? I can only go out at night

when the sun is low.?

thanks

Dawn

[Guest guest]

I guess it must make you feel a little like a vampire, LOL. Several

medications that I've been on for things other than RA list sun

sensitivity as a side effect. You might check on any other meds you're

taking.

Sue

On Friday, May 16, 2008, at 04:38 PM, ferretown@... wrote:

>

> ??? I am on only Enbrel but still get dry, burning, swelling

> type?reaction on my face when exposed to the sun on areas that

> were?previously affected.? My Dr.

> has never heard of sun sensitivity from Enbrel alone, but I wonder if

> Enbrel may be?responsible for the continuance of this?problem??? If

> anyone has experiences

> similar - I would be happy to hear it - please. !? I can only go out

> at night when the sun is low.?

[Guest guest]

My mother was a redhead, but I didn't inherit that trait. Out of six of

us, only two got the red hair. One of my grandsons has red hair, but

his maternal grandfather has red hair, too.

My husband heard on the radio that there are fewer and fewer redheads,

and eventually there won't be any more. I certainly don't believe that.

Sue

On Friday, May 16, 2008, at 04:47 PM, Fair wrote:

>

> I haven't had sun sensitivity w/ Enbrel, but as a redhead, I avoid the

> sun like the plague. I burn in about 10 mins.

[Guest guest]

Jo,

My daughter has had sun sensitivity but we have been told it is probably due to

her med's. She is on Methotrexate and Enbrel now and we mananged alright this

summer...but had a really hard time with her when we were in Florida in March.

We live in Ohio.

She had even more on an issue when she was also on naproxen and methotrexate

together but has been taken off of naproxen due to side effects. She started

getting little spots/pits on her face, which can be from the

sun/medication...plus she is extremely fair (blonde/blue eyes, which can make

matters worse).

I am not sure if these are the answers you are looking for...but we always

wonder the same.

Best wishes!

Jen (mom to , 9, poly)

---- P <jobobperry@...> wrote:

> Rose has been sun sensitive for awhile and I attributed it mainly to the med

she is on for autoimmune hepatitis or the condition itself. I'm wondering if

any of you also experience it? The other day, she was outside for five minutes.

I guess she was lying in the sun and her shirt went up. She came back burned.

I have her put sunscreen on when I think she will be out for any length of time.

This particular day the sun didn't seem very strong at all. She keeps testing

negative for lupus, but this makes me wonder.

>

> Jo

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. Just curious, did it take awhile for

the docs to figure out the lupus diagnosis? Until Rose has the markers they

won't say it's lupus. They admit, some of the pictures I've shown them seem to

resemble the butterfly rash.

Jo

>

> My daughter does have Lupus and she is sun sensitive. Soo much sun is not

good for anyone. We wear hats from sunday afternoons at :

http://www.sundayafternoons.com/

> These hats offer better sun protection. Couple of months ago, I also found

similar type hats offered at Costco.

>

[Guest guest]

It took about two months. At first, the Pediatrician gave my daughter prescribe

some creams to try. After a couple of visits, my wife asked the Doctor to test

for Lupus because my wife remembers her mom having a rash when her mom had a

lupus flare. The Doctor did not think it was Lupus but ran the blood test

anyways. Later that week, the doctor told us to get her to a pediatric

rheumatologist right away. There also seems to be a problem with her kidneys

leaking protein. The rheumatologist confirmed the Lupus. The rash was not just

a rash. It normally takes a long time to figuire these things out, we were just

lucky to discover it right away. That pediatrician sends about one child a

month to see the rheumatologist for possible lupus.

[Guest guest]

Glad to hear you got a quick diagnosis. Perhaps I can get Rose tested when she

has the suspected rash and then we would know for sure.

Jo

>

> It took about two months. At first, the Pediatrician gave my daughter

prescribe some creams to try. After a couple of visits, my wife asked the

Doctor to test for Lupus because my wife remembers her mom having a rash when

her mom had a lupus flare. The Doctor did not think it was Lupus but ran the

blood test anyways. Later that week, the doctor told us to get her to a

pediatric rheumatologist right away. There also seems to be a problem with her

kidneys leaking protein. The rheumatologist confirmed the Lupus. The rash was

not just a rash. It normally takes a long time to figuire these things out, we

were just lucky to discover it right away. That pediatrician sends about one

child a month to see the rheumatologist for possible lupus.

>

[Guest guest]

Just a tip, when you think the sun is not strong, because it may be cloudy or

foggy, don't let your guard down. We always use sunblock. Some medications

also make you more sun sensitive.

[Guest guest]

I can agree with that - I'm sensitive to the sun and burn super easy. I got a

really bad burn when it was only 70 degrees outside. You know how it normally

takes a week or 2 for damaged skin to peel after a bad burn? I started peeling

4 days later after I burned. It was miserable.

Re: Sun sensitivity

Just a tip, when you think the sun is not strong, because it may be cloudy or

foggy, don't let your guard down. We always use sunblock. Some medications

also make you more sun sensitive.