Stay Out Of Sun When On Tx

[dontworry_behappy1]

How much are we talking about? Does sun screen
count for stay out of sun?

[belle19]

just start off slow.  i would go out in the sun for about 30 minutes only.  i live by the beach so it was hard for me.  but the rash i got once from the heat was bad so it was easier after that.  good luck.  belle

[crigger]

Be very careful out in the sun while on treatment.  You might end up looking like TAN MOM.

[BoceprevirGal]

  My shoulders didn't get burned, because that skin is tougher, and tanner. What got a rash and sun-burn onme was my stomach and back, underneath my thin light colored tank-top!  So now I wear darker colors, and long sleeves.
   I'm working up to sun-screen,saw a good one, made with coconut oil, but it was very pricey. I also get very uncomfortable in the heat/sun, while driving, so drape a dark shirt over that one arm that the sun hits, and use my air-conditioning

[Idyllic]

There was a sun/sunscreen thread a couple of weeks ago that may offer some pointers :)
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Sunshine-and-Triple-Tx/show/1725454#post_7906111

[1oftheclub222]

I got a pretty bad rash from driving and having the sun hit my arm.  it was a 4 hr drive, didn't even think about putting sun screen on for driving, but I do now :).

[willbb]

Well   ..A little hard to say exactly how much sun anyone should get ,however I think the fact that you are  pale and on HCV treatment some caution is advised as the meds "may make one somewhat more "sun and heat sensitive as the article and the good advice folks have given above.

Good luck with your treatment..
Will

[LadyFoxx]

I saw your post I am so white and pale I was thinking of sitting in the sun for a hour a couple times a week do you think I should start with 30 minutes?  I work in side and get no sun at all.  Thank you

[can-do-man]

Just remember not everyone has problems with being in the sun, the heat was much worse for me, never caused any rash... Just test the waters.

[willbb]

Just use caution:

Will

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/04/do_sunlight_and.html

Ribavirin
Although it is not categorized as a common medication, the antiviral drug ribavirin may cause or enhance photosensitivity. As an integral part of the prescribed treatment for Hepatitis C, some individuals develop a rash from ribavirin – and this side effect can be exacerbated by exposure to intense sunlight or other UV light, such as tanning beds. In addition, consumers are urged to be aware of the greater potential for a photosensitive reaction when combining ribavirin with one of the above listed drugs known for increasing sensitivity to the sun. For those especially sensitive, a photosensitive reaction may also be triggered by indirect sun exposure, such as light reflected off pavement.

Protect Yourself
Although the skin burns or rashes characteristic of photosensitivity can cause pain, itching and misery, combination therapy for Hepatitis C needn’t keep you confined indoors (unless advised by a physician or pharmacist). For the majority of individuals on photosensitive medications, several extra precautions can help prepare for sun exposure.

[orphanedhawk]

Sunscreen lasts between 2-4 hours depending on varying factors.

After my transplant, I was advised to avoid the sun.
While in the tropics I learned the easiest thing to do was wear loose light clothing, natural fibers are best, silk is wonderful, and a big sun  hat. I still slather my hands and tops of my feet with sunscreen.

Our skin during tx tends towards being very dry and rashes are common. Direct sun contact will only exacerbate the problem.
Use moisturizer and stay hydrated.

Hope that helps.

[1swimmer]

Hi there, ya know on my yucky days if I'm running errands and I get warm, my body says stop. It's been recommended by many to avoid sun; I will as I do not want any rash. Just the other day my doc reminded me as well. Luckily, I'm a nite swimmer.
C