Hydroxyurea and Sun Exposure

Posted by johnnychips @johnnychips, Apr 28 1:28pm

I recently started taking Hydroxyurea (for ET) with seemingly minimal side effects if any. However, I've been reading about having to avoid the sun rays when taking the drug because of potential photosensitivity, rashes, sunburn and even skin cancer. I love the sun and planning on a getaway to the Caribbean armed with SPF 30 sunscreen. How paranoid should I be in spending time in the sun?

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janemc | @janemc | May 3 6:13am

In reply to @hariom1961 "One of the biggest gift of life is SUN RAYS . First hour after sunrise and..." + (show)

@hariom1961

Thank you for "taking" me to a beautiful place I will never get to see!

hariom1961 | @hariom1961 | May 3 10:04am

In reply to @janemc "@hariom1961 Thank you for "taking" me to a beautiful place I will never get to see!" + (show)

@janemc

Why you will never get to see . Didn’t understand your msg. We pray for your happiness 🙏🙏🙏

janemc | @janemc | May 3 12:21pm

In real life, I'm unlikely to ever see your beautiful country.

But I will visit in my dreams!

bluehorse | @bluehorse | May 4 11:10am

sunscreen and wearing a hat are a good start along with protective clothing and seeking shade.
I have had 2 mohs surgeries for detected squamous cell cancer on my nose and will soon start a week of
fluorouracil topical treatment to my face to detect areas of concern. I am of Irish descent and have fair skin so at high risk.

mmkennedy | @mmkennedy | May 4 1:34pm

In reply to @janemc "Hydroxyurea (HU) does make our skin more sensitive to the sun. So take precautions! Mineral-based sunscreen..." + (show)

@janemc

Hi Jane - I am curious why you say mineral sunscreens are preferred? Do they last longer? When I look at them at the store they say re-apply every 2 hours - so I was just curious what I am missing here.

I’ve tried the mineral sunscreen and it feels so heavy on my face such that I’d prefer non-mineral but it definitely looses its power after 2hours I guess.

I am good about putting it on in the morning but rarely ever remember later in the day!

Tips and tricks welcome. I am conscientious to always wear a hat which helps
since I live in California.

I hope you are well
Meg

johnnychips | @johnnychips | May 4 3:15pm

In reply to @bluehorse "sunscreen and wearing a hat are a good start along with protective clothing and seeking shade...." + (show)

@bluehorse Thanks for sharing your experience. It is an additional reminder of the high risk associated with HU and sun exposure.

janemc | @janemc | May 4 3:53pm

In reply to @mmkennedy "@janemc Hi Jane - I am curious why you say mineral sunscreens are preferred? Do they..." + (show)

@mmkennedy

My husband gets a lot of basal cell skin cancers. His dermatologist told us that mineral-based sunscreens are the most protective. I don't know why, but we follow his advice.

Maybe that "heaviness" offers more of a shield?

mmkennedy | @mmkennedy | May 5 9:37am

In reply to @mmkennedy "@janemc Hi Jane - I am curious why you say mineral sunscreens are preferred? Do they..." + (show)

Hi Jane,

Thank you for your insight on mineral sunscreen. I really appreciate the
information.

Hugs back to you! Meg

jodyjazz | @jodyjazz | 4 days ago

In reply to @janemc "Hydroxyurea (HU) does make our skin more sensitive to the sun. So take precautions! Mineral-based sunscreen..." + (show)

@janem
Does this mean before 10am and after 4pm DLST or real time :-0

janemc | @janemc | 4 days ago

In reply to @jodyjazz "@janem Does this mean before 10am and after 4pm DLST or real time :-0" + (show)

@jodyjazz

Well, I'm pretty strict. If I can see the ball of the sun, I go inside.

So unless it's a deeply-shaded portion of my property, my gardening only happens an hour before sunrise, or an hour after sunset.

If I have to be outside during the day, on goes the sunscreen & the protective clothing.

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