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Hydroxyurea and Sun Exposure
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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Hydroxyurea (HU) does make our skin more sensitive to the sun.
So take precautions! Mineral-based sunscreen of the highest power is good, on any inch of skin exposed to the sun. Also wear a hat with a big brim to protect your whole head and neck.
UV clothing is great too. In fact, any garment of dark, woven (rather than knit) fabric shields your skin.
It's in the early morning and evening that you can enjoy being on the beach or in the water. At any other time, all the reflections will bake you! During the day, gravitate to shade wherever you can find it.
Many of us also find HU makes our skin feel dry, so toss lots of lotion into your suitcase too.
Most important -- enjoy your getaway!
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4 ReactionsGood advice from @janemc.
We have a pop-up sun shelter we got from LL Bean when my son was a baby. It's like a three-sided tent and folds up in a little carry bag. You can get one of those low beach chairs in it.
I keep the shelter in the car along with an old long-sleeve linen shirt, sun hat, and xtra sunscreen.
Been on HU x 8 years, and no issues with skin cancers.
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5 Reactions@janemc Thanks for the suggestions. All good tips. I have to work on my discipline to minimize sun exposure. Need to face reality and accept a new chapter in my life.
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