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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

carolgeo | @carolgeo | 2 days ago

In reply to @garyr443 "@jodyjazz You mentioned "red bumpy face." Are you getting tiny white bumps that look like zits..." + (show)

check with dermatologist roeshea can be treated with antifungal med cream under the sun screen mine is better

garyr443 | @garyr443 | 2 days ago

In reply to @carolgeo "check with dermatologist roeshea can be treated with antifungal med cream under the sun screen mine..." + (show)

@carolgeo Thanks.

garyr443 | @garyr443 | 2 days ago

In reply to @carolgeo "check with dermatologist roeshea can be treated with antifungal med cream under the sun screen mine..." + (show)

@carolgeo I just read that peppermint oil is a common trigger for rosacea. I've been using it for about a year for daily aromatherapy. Threw that out!

garyr443 | @garyr443 | 1 day ago

In reply to @jodyjazz "No not getting those. And "red bumpy" only if I am in sun too long, which..." + (show)

@jodyjazz I looked into what I am experiencing and it seems to be rosacea. After seeing the outrageous prices on most of skin creams, etc. for rosacea, I've decided the only thing I can do is natural remedies. I have aloe vera gel, which I use every day on the soles of my feet, for my calouses, and as a cheap hair gel, but I learned yesterday that it can be an effective rosacea remedy, as well, so I'm going to try it this morning.

nohrt4me (Jean) | @nohrt4me | 10 hours ago

In reply to @garyr443 "@jodyjazz I looked into what I am experiencing and it seems to be rosacea. After seeing..." + (show)

@garyr443 I have rosacea. I have used aloe vera, which relieves the burning. It did not treat the underlying issue for me, and it was becoming somewhat disfiguring. Makeup irritated my skin further. It can be a very discouraging condition.

Metrogel topical worked for a few years. When that failed, my GP sent me to a dermatologist who prescribed minocycline, which works very well. It's generic and my co-pay is zero.

I asked the term if ET or HU worsened rosacea. He said nobody knows.

I use hypoallergenic skin and hair products. Vanicream makes a facial cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner. I have had good luck with these.

I do sympathize. It's not fun.

garyr443 | @garyr443 | 10 hours ago

In reply to @nohrt4me "@garyr443 I have rosacea. I have used aloe vera, which relieves the burning. It did not..." + (show)

@nohrt4me Well, I had to go out for groceries yesterday, so I applied the aloe vera gel. It cooled my skin and when I returned, I applied more. By the end of the day, most of the redness had faded and so had most of the little bumps. So, I think the aloe vera is effective and I'll continue using it. It's Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel. For bathing and washing my face, I have been using Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap for years. I just need to adjust the water temperature so it's cooler.

garyr443 | @garyr443 | 9 hours ago

In reply to @nohrt4me "@garyr443 I have rosacea. I have used aloe vera, which relieves the burning. It did not..." + (show)

@nohrt4me I probably will see a dermatologist, at some point. My prescriptions cost me nothing, so why not?

Please sign in or register to post a reply.