Sun exposure and methotrexate

Hello, , and thank you for reaching out. I hope some of our community members who might have experience with methotrexate and any sun rash/sensitivity can share with you here. While I can't say for certain whether or not your rash was due to methotrexate and sun exposure, I do know that it can happen. In fact, this article with information about methotrexate does include sun sensitivity as a possible side effect, https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/methotrexate. Also, this article from our health leader, Lisa, talks about RA medication interactions and photosensitive skin reactions, https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/protect-skin-photosensitive-reactions. Hopefully more of our community members can also chime in and let you know that you aren't alone. Wishing you a gentle day! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Methotrexate, and pretty much any medications prescribed for RA can make you sun sensitive. I've been on MTX since 2016 and I experience sun rashes if I'm not careful. I've upped my game in sunscreen and skincare, and I don't sit out and tan anymore. If anything I get an umbrella if I'm at the beach and apply sunscreen if I know I'll be moving about. Doctors say a lot of things aren't caused by the meds, but I would bring this up again to them and also seek out a dermatologist who can give suggestions. Here are some great articles about this topic by people living with RA in this community. Hope this helps! -Effie, team member

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/heat-waves

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/wont-walking-ra

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/skin-in-the-game

Hi . I want to share with you this site which offers guidance to healthcare professionals on methotrexate photosensitivity reactions: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/methotrexate-advise-patients-to-take-precautions-in-the-sun-to-avoid-photosensitivity-reactions. It states "photosensitivity reactions (which include phototoxicity, where a drug is activated by exposure to UV light and causes damage to the skin that can look and feel like a sunburn or a rash) are known side effects of methotrexate treatment and can occur with both low-dose and high-dose treatment" (plus, much more guidance). I can remember being with my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), at the beach. We were being very careful - umbrella, sun screen, hat ... but I took her down to the water for ten minutes and that was all it took for a bad burn. Sun sensitivity is no joke. Kelly makes sure to see a dermatologist regularly and has had a couple of precancerous items removed. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

Hi Maria
I was diagnosed with RA and osteoarthritis and osteopenia 5 years ago at age 57. I wasn’t aware of the dangers in the sun, until I went abroad 2 years ago. I’m on methotrexate and infusions of infliximab every 6 weeks. I have always been a sun chaser and did what I always did and layed in the sun.
I got 3rd degree burns across my chest and was only in the sun for an hour and had cream on. I still have the scars now. Just something else RA has taken from me being able to sunbathe.
Gail x