Methotrexate and the sun

Clarry11
Clarry11 Member Posts: 5
edited 1. Sep 2025, 07:21 in Living with arthritis

hi all 👋

Has anyone had a problem with the sun and methotrexate? We’re off to Greece (booked before the diagnosis as a family wedding, and being prescribed the mtx)

Can I stop the mtx whilst I’m away to stop the potential burning? I use factor 50 anyway, as I’m pale and can still burn. I know that if I get a cold, covid or a bronchial infection I can stop the meds, so is it worthwhile protecting my skin from undoubted sunlight by stopping the mtx?

This isn’t me being vain, I’m genuinely concerned that this is going to be an issue.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,218
    edited 11. Mar 2025, 10:47

    Hi @Clarry11 ,

    There have been a few discussions about methotrexate and the sun. The link below will take you to a few recent posts:

    https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?domain=all_content&query=methotrexate%20sun&scope=site&source=community


    Best wishes,

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Jca
    Jca Member Posts: 18

    Hi. I to am on methotrexate. You do have to be extremely careful in the sun. I was told by rheumatologist nurse that you have to wear factor 50 and try to cover up your arms legs etc with thin layers, and if possible wear sunglasses. I’m a real sun person so it’s sad but the suns reaction on your skin can cause problems with blisters/ rash etc and can make you poorly. Lots of information about it online. Speak to your rheumatologist nurses helpline, they are very helpful.

  • MoulinNell
    MoulinNell Member Posts: 1

    I live in France where it gets very hot in the summer. The methotrexate makes me very sensitive to sunlight and I get itchy rashes and increased sensitivity to insect bites. I use factor 50 sunscreen and try to stay out of the sun in the hottest part of the day. Aloe Vera cut straight from the plant helps the itching & rashes (which are always worse at night). Also E45 itching cream, Dermalol and Eurax seem to help relieve it.

  • Poppyjane
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 953

    Welcome @MoulinNell to the community

    It is great to hear from you and thank you for your first post sharing your experience with other members.

    We look forward to hearing from you again,

    Best wishes

    Poppyjane

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

  • Arthuritis
    Arthuritis Member Posts: 597

    @MoulinNell I haven’t any gems of wisdom to offer but I love hearing from people in the EU, US & AU. We can compare notes on medical options too, even if we all have the same Autoimmune!

    We had someone get in touch here from Arizona once, which was supercool!

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