Can I still enjoy the sun?

[JoFowler]

I understand that that being on Imuran and Remicade opens up higher risk to skin cancer, and with the spring and summer seasons coming up, I am wondering if I should do anything different than be more vigilant with the sunscreen? I love being outdoors in the sun whether gardening, reading on the deck and generally being outdoors all day at the cottage.

Also, should I be getting regular check-ups to see if the Dr. sees any moles or signs of trouble, that I maybe can't see(like on my back) ? I have already had four moles cut out and biopsied, three were normal and one was pre-cancerous.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[lizbeth]

I don't know the answer to your question as it's something I have wondered too, my GI is considering starting my on Imuran and I knew there was something about sun being a problem. Thank you for asking this question and I look forward to the responses you get. Good luck.

 

[rollinstone]

I get a little bit of sun but it's important not to burn, the sun I get is from maybe a ten min walk w the dog, but you must definitely be extra vigilant, don't tan and make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen or long sleeves if you're going to be in the sun for a while

 

[hawkeye]

I try to wear a high SPF sunscreen and long sleeves if possible. The sun in our part of the world is stronger than it was 30 years ago.

 

[Jim (POPS)]

Hi,
I'm 62, retired and I LOVE to work in my veg. garden. I take Imuran and I know it's important to not get to much sun, SO, I found a cool "life guard" hat at a place called "Tilly's". I think you could find them most anywhere. This one is made by "Onell", (my kids, 30, 35 and 37 say "it's a cool hat Pops".)
I found out I had crohns at age 61 when I retired and was pissed off because I worked all my life and now this is what I get. I don't think that anymore.
So I'm going to still go in the sun but with my NEW hat and have fun in the sun..
Happy spring time.
Jim (pops)

 

[hawkeye]

I forgot about the wide brimmed hat, I picked one up a few years ago at Mark's Work Wearhouse - it's similar in design to the Tilley hat. If I wear a ball cap the upper part of my ears burn and peel

 

[Catherine]

My daughter wears a zinc based sunscreen. I always hope she won't get burn but you have to carry on with your life and keep the risks to a minium.

Where off to a of shore island today, the only way to make sure there was no chance of sunburn would not to go.

 

[Lisa]

I haven't had any issues until recently....had what I think was a reaction and sun poisoning while in the Bahamas.......and I was even careful and didn't burn....

This summer I will be more careful....I do see a dermatologist one of year and get a check, but my mom had melanoma so I need to be vigilant.

 

[rygon]

I wouldnt go about sunbathing for long periods or go on sunbeds (both are bad for healthy people let alone us), but you do need time in the sun to get enough Vit D (10-15mins 3 times a week).

Ive been on aza for 3 years now I think and never had any problems in the sun. I hardly wear suncream but am sensible about how much exposure I get and Ive never had any problems

 

[kh216]

Getting regular skin check ups (once a year, maybe?) would be a good idea since you said that you have a history of having a precancerous mole. You don't say whether you are fair or dark skinned or whether you burn or tan easily. Those factors also help determine how much sun you can tolerate and how much sunscreen protection you need. Generally speaking, sunscreen works for two hours at a time and you would then have to reapply. It is good to get about 15 minutes of sun a day to get natural Vitamin D. I would say to go by how you react to the sun. Use either more sunscreen or a higher level on areas that get hit the most, like your face and shoulders. If you are sensitive to the sun, cover up more.