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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 2/7/2011
Posts: 66
Location: London
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Hi all,
One of the bloggers on the HU site mentioned possible problems with MTX and sun. Made me wonder if MTX does increase sensitivity of skin to sun - does anyone know? I've not been bothering with sunscreen recently because of wanting to improve my vitamin D levels. Seems deeply unfair if we can't even enjoy soaking up sunshine without thinking about RA. Is there any part of our lives it doesn't influence! Polly
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 12/4/2009
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Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Polly Methotrexate does increase sensitivity to the sun. You should use a high factor sun cream when in the sun and avoid strong sunlight. It's also recommended that a light barrier cream is used at all times to protect the skin from exposure. In a phototoxic reaction, drug molecules absorb the energy of a specific UV wavelength, which causes the molecule to undergo a chemical change and emit energy that damages surrounding tissues. Usually displaying as redness or sunburn. Photo sensitivity can also be caused by Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalasine and Myocrisin (Gold), as well as Methotrexate. Not what you want to hear but better to be safe than sorry  Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/30/2010 Posts: 507 Location: Gravesend
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Thanks for the info , as i have Psoriasis as well , that does not bode well , as it is recommended that i get as much unadulterated sun as i can :O :O Nothing is easy is it :O Rich :O "The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 10/21/2010
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Location: aberdeen
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I'm pleased this question has been asked. And Lynn, does this sunburn and redness differ in our case from that which you'd get normally when you go in the sun without suncream/screen in that it is more likely to lead to skin cancer for instance?
.....eve x
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 12/4/2009
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Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Guys That's a tough call Rich and I must admit I feel so much better having been doused in rays! It's a real juggling act at times isn't it?  Would early morning daylight and late afternoon be beneficial? Perhaps psoriasis needs 'real' sun! As regards cancer, I'm not sure long term, but I suspect, and these are only my own thoughts so please don't go jumping around in fear, that any damage/lesions caused to the skin by sun exposure may lead to longer term problems. The skin is basically being burned (more than it would ordinarily be in the sun) because of the action of the molecules and so you would be relying on the body's healing system to effect adequate repairs. Our immuno-suppressant drugs do not assist the healing process, the reason why you should stop then for illness and surgery. Many years ago I was on methotrexate and high dose steroids. I went abroad several times in one year (felt so much better in the sun) but I developed a skin problem as a result of too long on my sunbed, reading and dozing (which was doing wonders for the RA)! No-one seemed to know whether it was due to 'thin skin' from the steroids or the effect of burning due to MTX or even a combination. The skin just peeled away (mainly on my hands and arms) leaving patches of weeping open sores. Many antibiotics later they healed but left small white scars all over the place! These bits now have no pigmentation and burn very easily. I still go out in the sun but smothered in cream and re-applied very regularly! Guess you take your chance Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Polly,
Yes, mtx is known to make us more sensitive to the sun. I need to use a much higher sunscreen factor than I used to because I burn easily since starting on mtx , but with the appropriate sunscreen I am fine.
I also find I can go 15 minutes without sunscreen which is the recommended time daily for soaking up the vitamin D, this might not be right for everyone though, some become more sensitive than others on the mtx.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Hi Polly
I have just posted about this on another topic. I have become extremely sensitive to the sun whilst taking Methotrexate. I was never one for sitting out too long but now I cannot even sit at the dining room table by the patio window without being burnt through the glass by the sun. I have to plaster myself with factor 50 sun tan cream for most of the spring, summer and autumn. I also suffer from rosecea which is a reddening of the skin so this does not help either. My Husband and Daughter only have to be in the sun for five minutes before they look like they have been in the Bahamas for a month so I do look pale and insignificant next to them.
There is a history of skin cancer in my family so I have always been cautious.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 10/21/2010
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Location: aberdeen
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thanks for that explanation lynn, it makes so much sense the way you tell it. xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 2/7/2011
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Location: London
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Ho hum... thanks for the advice and I guess it's back to the sticky cream and sunhats. And I was so enjoying the good weather! Polly
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 103
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Hi Polly, The second month on MTX I came out in a rash on both arms.Went to see my GP and he said it was due to exposure to the sun.I had been sitting out in it not knowing MTX could cause a rash.I was advised to always wear a high factor sunscreen in the future. Brenda.x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/27/2011
Posts: 68
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I have been given the option to go on mtx but at present I don't think I will there are so many restrictions on this drug.What about when yur doing a bit of gardening will you suffer from the sun? what if you what a drink at the weekend your restricted.I'm sorry I feel my life is so restricted anyway why can't they come up with a drug that makes us feel better instead of bringing drugs out that makes are lives more miserable with these restrictions I am very disolussioned at the moment with my care and to be honest I know what is best for me one day at a time xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 2/7/2011
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Location: London
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Replying to Mags...... yes the side effects of Methotrexate are a pain, but compared to how I was before I started taking it the overall effect has been fantastic. Each of us have to decide for ourselves & depends on how bad you are - but I'd now fight tooth & nail if someone tried to take it away from me! Having to be careful in sun, mind drinking and put up with headaches & so on a day or so a week is minor as I can now move, and bend & get into a shower, dress myself, and even do some gardening etc etc. So do think about both short & long term effects before you finally decide. Polly
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Mags Do think very carefully before rejecting methotrexate, it is one of the best drugs around for the treatment of RA. Other DMARDS, such as Leflunomide, have similar restrictions so methotrexate isn't the only one. Wearing sunscreen and missing the odd drink at weekend is a very small price to pay to avoid long term joint damage and years of ongoing surgery ... believe me! Whilst you may feel you know what is best for you on a day to day basis what is important here is the long term control of the underlying disease. At the moment you are fortunate, you are still able to do a bit of gardening ... that may not always be the case. Please be guided by your rheumatologist on what is the most suitable treatment for you. Lyn x
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