Methotrexate and Sunshine.
dreamdaisy
Member Posts: 31,520
For those of you who are new to methotrexate you may not be aware that it's time to break out the sunscreen when out and about; this is because the medication increases our skin's photosensitivity. The sun is getting higher and stronger and if we do not protect ourselves a rash can result which, as I know from personal experience, is itchy and painful. I use factor 30, stay in the shade whenever possible, and wear a light scarf to protect the back of my neck. I've recently had my hair cut very short so a hat will be added to protect my scalp.
We have a glorious day here and, as outdoor housework is demanding attention, I shall dig out last year's bottle and slather it on. DD
We have a glorious day here and, as outdoor housework is demanding attention, I shall dig out last year's bottle and slather it on. DD
Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
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Comments
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Very timely, thank you DD.
Just wanted to add something though - I understand that sun cream is only really good for one year. I believe that the active ingredients stop working properly.
Now, I don't know how true that is, as only certain ones have expiration dates on, so it might just be a ruse by the sun cream companies to make us buy more!
Personally, as I'm on methotrexate, I don't risk it and buy new SPF50 each year, but I've got no scientific evidence to back it up. Just thought I'd mention it.0 -
That's a good point and thank you for the reminder. I buy the bigger bottles in July and August, after then I scale down so that I have something within date for the following year. My pharmacist told me that things do not expire overnight but the active ingredients weaken - this doesn't mean that the product is ineffective but not as effective.
I don't know why I do this but I do - I always shake the bottle before I apply. Is that daft? DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0 -
Thanks for the timely reminder DD. I've just stocked up on factor 50 ahead of my holiday, I always use a child friendly sensitive skin one because the scented ones give me funny skin. Happily I've just discovered that my favourite unscented moisturiser does a bottle with built in SPF 30 so I can moisturise and protect at the same time
I've recently swapped from Methotrexate to Leflunomide, not sure whether the sun sensitivity is the same, but protecting our skin makes sense regardless.
Deb0
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