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Doxy and sun

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Posted 7/8/2014 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
I know they don't go together well...but what happens? Does it just make you more susceptible to sunburns? Or will it make you sick?

If I wear sunscreen, is that good enough if I'm out for 1/2 an hour or so?

I'm hoping to go on a mini vacation to the sunny Okanagan and wondering how much I have to avoid the sun. I am already fair skinned and freckled, so am used to being careful anyway.
Posted 7/9/2014 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
I hate to break the news to you, but the connection btwn the sun and doxy is absolutely horrible. I had to switch antibiotics bc i couldnt handle it (and this was in the spring). It is not a regular sunburn, so another unfortunate answer - sunscreen doesn't help. It is an actual chemical reaction that occurs between doxy and the sun to make your skin the way that it is - it looks burned, it is very red, but it doesn't feel like a regular sunburn, it is worse. The only way you can manage it is by covering every part of your body with lightweight clothing and wearing a sunhat. I did that - and my hands got messed up because they were exposed!! So sorry to have to tell you this, but watch out!!!
Posted 7/9/2014 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Oh darn! I will have to be extra careful...even in the car.
Posted 7/9/2014 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
yes, my hands were getting messed up just from driving the car!!
Posted 7/9/2014 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Im on doxy and have ZERO problems with being in the sun... maybe it just hits others worse
Posted 7/9/2014 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
You definitely are more susceptible to the sun and burn easily. I am dark skinned so don't find that an issue but definitely wear sunscreen and find the sunlight actually hurts my eyes. I find myself constantly wearing sunglasses even when there is a bit of sunshine and have to keep my blinds shut in my office at work or at least turning the blinds so the sun doesn't shine into the office. I even find some lighting effects my vision - I was told it was from the dioxy but not sure if that is accurate or not.
Posted 7/9/2014 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't been sure if all of the effects are from the Doxy or the Lyme. Last Sunday (7/6) I thought I could do some yard work for a short time. Wore hat, big sunglasses, jeans and my husband's long sleeve t-shirt. Outside for about 2 hours. I had only been taking the Doxy for two full days at that point. Felt like I'd been in the hot sun all day when I stopped and showered. We went to a cookout and while I was sitting in the shade, the heat really got to me and I started feeling nauseous, sweating and like I had to lay down or I might pass out. We went home. I could not drive even. Yesterday (Monday the 7th) I went to three stores. My only sun exposure was while driving, and walking in and out of the stores. Same feeling of sickness in the evening. After I lay down for a while I feel okay. I was wearing long sleeves and protecting myself from the sun the whole time so I think it has to do with the high heat we are experiencing also. Today I notice even walking out to the mailbox or while filling my birdfeeders, etc. when I'm only out for a few minutes that my arms and face feel like they are burning. Not like on fire but just a low level burn. I'm being very careful about this now. I work from home so luckily I don't have to go out a lot. Sometimes I have to drive for a site visit or meeting but I am going to try to work around that for the next few weeks. It sucks that my summer is just about ruined and I guess most everyone else on here too. Got to look on the bright side though - if we can knock back the Lyme then it is worth it.
Posted 7/9/2014 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure. I'm just on the Doxy and know it is messing me up!
Posted 7/9/2014 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Mike - I did read on one website that mino can increase sensitivity to sunlight, but it's not common, like it is with doxy.

I was in the sun today for 1/2 hour with sunscreen on...but it was later - around 4:00. No reaction. So, if I stay out of the sun from 11-4 I should probably be okay.
So I'll have to do morning swims at the lake (if I'm well enough to go on my mini vacation)
Posted 7/9/2014 6:38 AM (GMT 0)
Tetralysal (Tetracycline) is another antibiotic that you need to be careful with.
Posted 7/9/2014 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
UV rays chemically change the structure of doxy and the reaction actually occurs under the skin. It burns you from the inside out.
Posted 7/9/2014 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
WOW! I didn't know that the sun has a chemical reaction with the Doxy in your system! Burning from the inside out is the exact description of what I feel! Whew, I'm going to have to be even more cautious because even though I have been careful, I now realize that the little bit of skin that is exposed is catching sun rays probably reflecting off of other things so even if I'm in the shade, it doesn't protect me entirely! Thanks for that information Georgia Hunter!
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