Sun

[KeepFaith54]

Hi, does anyone know if you have to stay out of the sun while taking interferon? And what about maybe suntan bed?

[ilene341]

yes stay out or as skersj says use 70 or high.

[Isobella]

I don't know how far into tx you are, but for me in the beginning the sun was very uncomfortable to me. It was so much hotter because my skin was sensitive. Just itchy and misrable.

On top of the itch and dry skin I already had from the drugs.....not good.....I opted for tanning cream instead.  

I spend alot of time at the beach...only now in the cool evening breeze. Much more comfortable.

[skersj]

Oh I forgot to add, it is SPF 70.

[skersj]

I found Neutrogena Age Shield Face sunblock with Helioplex works well using all areas. Not sure how it effects the liver though.

[jdwithhcv]

Interferon and ribavarin will make your skin extra sensitive to sun and susceptible to burns.  No suntan bed on treatment either - in fact those things are really bad for you at any time.  BTW, the treatment for melanoma is interferon!

Good luck with your treatment.  Be sure to use a lot of sunblock and keep covered in the sun.  You will be amazed how fast you burn.

[annieCinMD]

I've heard theses meds make you hyper-sensitive to sunlight. I would use sunscreen if I wanted to go outside.  Tanning beds are just plain bad, anyway. I would stay away from them.