Ha! yeah, it's a bit toasty here, but certainly not anywhere near what it is in AZ. We are at a higher altitude hence a bit cooler. We have a large spa I keep at a very refreshing temp (that happens to be in the shade in the afternoon) and thankfully have solar electric so I can put my a/c down where I like without having to worry about breaking the bank! We trade this for all tornadoes, snow, ice, hayfever and nasty midwest weather. For us it's a much better trade off!
Thanks so much for sharing this info. I had never really given it much thought before.
Coincidentally, just today the local newspaper reported that my state was experiencing the highest UV exposure in the country right now due to this heat wave that’s hitting most of the southwestern parts of the country.
You’re welcome! I’d never given it much thought either before my transplant. I had used sunscreen, albeit sporadically in my pre-transplant days but having the conversation with my doctor, he said only sunscreen isn’t protection enough and that uv damage is accumulative.
I seldom paid much attention to the UV reports but I do now. Because even cloudy days, there can still be sun damage from the UV rays.
I tend to lose my cherub-like demeanor when it’s hot (especially with humidity). How are you staying cool in that oppressive heat in the southwest?
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.
Thanks so much for sharing this info. I had never really given it much thought before.
Coincidentally, just today the local newspaper reported that my state was experiencing the highest UV exposure in the country right now due to this heat wave that’s hitting most of the southwestern parts of the country.
Yea, being on this medication is a game changer for me. I love the beach and pool and live in TX. This is my first summer avoiding the sun and I’m struggling finding things to do. It’s so hot, I need to adjust and I have to just be grateful the meds are working. I am getting small brown spots from the meds also which is a common thing 🙄
I’m going on two years since my PV diagnosis. Taking 500mg of hydroxyurea 4x weekly. Had not heard or read about any issues with sun exposure related to this condition until now. Is it the PV or the medication that causes extra risk from the sun? I’m in a high altitude and lotsa sun area (NM) and I spend a lot of time outdoors. Any advice/ suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
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.
I’m going on two years since my PV diagnosis. Taking 500mg of hydroxyurea 4x weekly. Had not heard or read about any issues with sun exposure related to this condition until now. Is it the PV or the medication that causes extra risk from the sun? I’m in a high altitude and lotsa sun area (NM) and I spend a lot of time outdoors. Any advice/ suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Did not know about sun impact, I always lather it on being fair with blue eyes but will be super vigilant now. Are there any articles that point out the dangers of sun and PV? I know about extreme Temps either way should be avoided. I vacation often in Maine during the summer and it's cool enough for me to hang on the beach all day, I don't like heat much. Should I consider not being out there during peak sun hours? Maybe I'll post a question. Thanks very much for this info and hope your hubby finds his new norm quickly. I haven't found mine yet, diagnosed in April but I'm getting there. I was having weekly draws, then 2 weeks and we're trying a month now. No meds, just low dose aspirin.
My husband is 67, diagnosed past December. He started hydroxy a few months ago and hasn’t had any side effects yet (I was very worried about side effects). Also 1 80mg aspirin daily. The one change is applying sunscreen regularly and more sun shirts.
Still having phlebotomy to get hematocrit down but the hydroxy seems to help keep it stable and has reduced platelets to normal levels(which was needed).
He is still very active although some fatigue. We hope once phlebotomy stopped fatigue will lessen or even go away.
Did not know about sun impact, I always lather it on being fair with blue eyes but will be super vigilant now. Are there any articles that point out the dangers of sun and PV? I know about extreme Temps either way should be avoided. I vacation often in Maine during the summer and it's cool enough for me to hang on the beach all day, I don't like heat much. Should I consider not being out there during peak sun hours? Maybe I'll post a question. Thanks very much for this info and hope your hubby finds his new norm quickly. I haven't found mine yet, diagnosed in April but I'm getting there. I was having weekly draws, then 2 weeks and we're trying a month now. No meds, just low dose aspirin.
Oh yes, phlebotomy will be ongoing. I should have been more clear - once ‘frequent’ phlebotomy stop… Hopefully just a few times a year, but we won’t know for awhile.
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Ha! yeah, it's a bit toasty here, but certainly not anywhere near what it is in AZ. We are at a higher altitude hence a bit cooler. We have a large spa I keep at a very refreshing temp (that happens to be in the shade in the afternoon) and thankfully have solar electric so I can put my a/c down where I like without having to worry about breaking the bank! We trade this for all tornadoes, snow, ice, hayfever and nasty midwest weather. For us it's a much better trade off!
You’re welcome! I’d never given it much thought either before my transplant. I had used sunscreen, albeit sporadically in my pre-transplant days but having the conversation with my doctor, he said only sunscreen isn’t protection enough and that uv damage is accumulative.
I seldom paid much attention to the UV reports but I do now. Because even cloudy days, there can still be sun damage from the UV rays.
I tend to lose my cherub-like demeanor when it’s hot (especially with humidity). How are you staying cool in that oppressive heat in the southwest?
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1 ReactionThanks so much for sharing this info. I had never really given it much thought before.
Coincidentally, just today the local newspaper reported that my state was experiencing the highest UV exposure in the country right now due to this heat wave that’s hitting most of the southwestern parts of the country.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYea, being on this medication is a game changer for me. I love the beach and pool and live in TX. This is my first summer avoiding the sun and I’m struggling finding things to do. It’s so hot, I need to adjust and I have to just be grateful the meds are working. I am getting small brown spots from the meds also which is a common thing 🙄
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi @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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI’m going on two years since my PV diagnosis. Taking 500mg of hydroxyurea 4x weekly. Had not heard or read about any issues with sun exposure related to this condition until now. Is it the PV or the medication that causes extra risk from the sun? I’m in a high altitude and lotsa sun area (NM) and I spend a lot of time outdoors. Any advice/ suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Thank you very much!
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1 ReactionThe sun issue is due to being on hydroxyurea. Your skin is more prone to certain types skin cancers.
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2 ReactionsDid not know about sun impact, I always lather it on being fair with blue eyes but will be super vigilant now. Are there any articles that point out the dangers of sun and PV? I know about extreme Temps either way should be avoided. I vacation often in Maine during the summer and it's cool enough for me to hang on the beach all day, I don't like heat much. Should I consider not being out there during peak sun hours? Maybe I'll post a question. Thanks very much for this info and hope your hubby finds his new norm quickly. I haven't found mine yet, diagnosed in April but I'm getting there. I was having weekly draws, then 2 weeks and we're trying a month now. No meds, just low dose aspirin.
Oh yes, phlebotomy will be ongoing. I should have been more clear - once ‘frequent’ phlebotomy stop… Hopefully just a few times a year, but we won’t know for awhile.
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Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions