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I am burning in the sun in just a few minutes

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Posted 5/16/2012 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
So I have been on Doxycycline 400mg/day and Clarithromycin for about 6 weeks. I have been doing my best to keep covered and to stay out of the sun, an use sun block with SPF 60. I am still getting burnt within just a few minutes of being outside. My hands are even burning while driving in the car. Does everyone go through this or are some people effected in this way more than others. Is there anything out there better than SPF 60 sunblock. I find that it's not even doing anything.

I look ridiculous with patchy burns all over my face and hands... my nose especially. My 4 year old told me I look like rudolph. :)


Thanks in advance.
Posted 5/16/2012 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have this from 200mg of doxy but only on my hands. Are you using sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc? Those are the best and they are usually sold for babies. My doctor told me to wear gloves, but that's not going to happen in the summer! People already think I'm crazy enough.

If I could be on another med I would, but I have to stay on doxy because it's keeping my liver enzymes from going high somehow. There are some other medications that can be substituted though.
Posted 5/16/2012 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Summer, thanks for responding. I'm not too sure whether my sunscreen has those ingredients or not. Perhaps sunscreen for children would be better then adult sunscreen? I know what you mean about feeling crazy... all covered up in the sun.
Posted 5/16/2012 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi JR, I also have this problem on 400mg/day Doxy. I wear factor 50, and have noticed that some of the suncream brands barely make a difference but others are pretty good. I must have tried about eight different types over the last year. You need something which blocks UVA, but most only give a UVB rating. I use Uvistat 50+, which is often prescribed by doctors for photosensitivity. It doesn't rub in very well, but it is worth looking a little stupid to avoid being Rhudolf!!! You can also get a version for your lips, which I need as mine tend to swell in the sun. I also tend to wear sun hats a lot, as this shades the worst bits on my nose and chin, and also protects the skin showing through my hair parting. It's horrible to have to cover up like this, but otherwise it is really painful...
Posted 5/17/2012 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Sunscreen is good, but won't stop the burn because this is a chemical reaction of heat with the doxy in your skin.

It's actually a chemical burn and have heard it can be quite serious. A friend had to be admitted to the hospital after ignoring warnings and lying on the beach.
Posted 5/17/2012 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Korissa,

I don' think it's the heat, but rather the UVA light causing a chemical reaction. This is why being in a hot house/bath etc is ok, but light (even with a cold breeze) is bad. Suncream which excludes UVA should work ok, and certainly makes a massive difference for me.

K 

 

Posted 5/17/2012 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
I'm wondering why people get burned in their cars then with windows up since the windows have UV protection?

Product UV Protection Visible Light Transmitted Heat Rejection
UV Shield 75 99.9%
UV Shield 85 99.9%
Posted 5/17/2012 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Anybody know? I'm curious. I didn't mean to sound like a know-it-all.
Posted 5/19/2012 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
There are actually three types of UV - A, B and C (although C doesn't reach earth). Many products only filter out UVB because these are what tend to cause sunburn, but it is the UVA that causes reactions with doxy.

"UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy — you're still at risk for exposure."
Posted 5/20/2012 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
ditto on 2 100 mg of doxy..noticed almost immediately...have been on it less than 2 months...blotchy skin too...itchy/burning at times too.
Posted 5/21/2012 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
It also takes most brands of sunscreen over 15 minutes to get absorbed into the skin and provide protection. You must apply well before you have sun exposure.
Posted 5/21/2012 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good tips to know since I just started Doxy myself...I don't go outside much but my office has a lot of sunlight coming in..guess I will be willing pulling the shades.
Posted 5/22/2012 4:16 PM (GMT 0)

The best thing to do is cover up and avoid being out in the UV rays.  There's also sun-blocking clothing you can purchase from outdoors/sports stores, although it's expensive.

On the subject of UV burns, you might find it interesting that some of the newcompact fluorescent light bulbs are having a similar effect on people. 

See: Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CVLa_tRslY
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=A55081TOlbQ&NR=1
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?src_vid=A55081TOlbQ&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_640984&v=8kdvHUUDsJ0

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