Hi @beebo and others who take Hydroxyurea and are wondering about sun exposure, the need to wear sunscreen/protective clothing and the potential for skin cancer.

Hydroxyurea is one of many drugs which can cause photosensitivity reactions to the skin when exposed to the sun. The skin can become easily irritated, inflamed, and more prone to burning from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In some cases, it can even lead to severe sunburns and skin damage. So that in turn increases the potential for skin cancer to develop.

@beebo, living in NM with an enviable about of sun compared to my northern WI, it’s important to slather on that sunscreen but also cover up. I had that discussion with my hematologist/oncologist. Sun screen can only do so much but doesn’t filter out all harmful UV radiation, especially the radiation that can lead to melanoma.

So it helps to wear protective clothing with built-in 50+sunblock, wearing hats that cover head and neck, long sleeve shirts, etc., when out for longer periods is really important to avoid skin issues.

Granted, some sun exposure is healthy to grab that all important Vit D, so just use common sense to protect yourself from too much sun. In the US, the sun's rays are strongest between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so extra protection is important then. The key is to avoid burning and irritation to the skin.

The same goes for anyone who is immunocompromised. When our body’s defense system isn’t functioning at full capacity from illness, cancer, medications it leaves us vulnerable to developing skin cancers.