Hydroxyurea and Sun Exposure

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!

Good 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.

@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.

@johnnychips It's really a matter of developing some new habits. I still go to the beach. Just not without the sun screen. Bon voyage!

@johnnychips
Isn't that the truth!! Facing reality and accepting these changes are (for me) the hardest part. I am 79 next month, been on HU for almost 4 years. I live in Florida and avoiding the sun is a full time job. I already had minor skin cancers for most of my adult life, so nowwwww this!!
Aging is a series of losses (IMHO), and this is just one of them, I am grateful I am so healthy for an old girl and this is a minor but annoying loss.

@johnnychips
Skin cancer can be a real possibility taking HU- it may take a few years of use and doctors don’t often tell you to beware as forcefully as they should.
I would recommend 50 spf and protect your head with a hat also! I am one of those who contracted very very bad skin cancer (on head) from HU. After taking it for 20+ years I had to switch to Anagrelide. But it feels sooo good to be in the sunshine I know!

@nancyra What I am hearing from most people on this forum is that avoiding the sun and taking precautions is a serious issue. Thanks to all for this valuable information based on real experience!

I am 79, an outdoor person and often in the sun. I am getting some brown spots on my hands an face. I bought zinc oxide powder and mix it with coconut oil a nd put it on my face and arms. Gets rid of superficial brown spots. Even before this routine i haven"t had sunburn in years. I was blonde with tawny skin color. I have been on hydroxurea for almost two years now. I am good for about half a day then too tired to do anything.

One of the biggest gift of life is SUN RAYS . First hour after sunrise and a hour before sunset . Me on HU for last four years and every morning enjoy walk on beach with sun rays being one of the biggest gift and medicine . I don’t use any sun screen cream etc . So far so good . Just sharing my views . 🙏
I live in Mumbai ( India ) where sun rays are in plenty and beautiful beach

@1250dunbar
Hello, it is interesting that zinc oxide powder because I have plenty of brown spots on hands and face. In what store this powder is sold? In pharmacy?