I just started doxy about 2 weeks ago, they just found a typhus coinfection and this is the only antibiotic that targets it (I think - still need to find out more from my LLMD). I know that doxy makes you extremley sun sensitive, so I just attempted to take my 2 boys outside since it is in the 60's here and I put suncscreen of 50 on where my skin was bare.
Once outside for 20 minutes or so I couldn't take it anymore, my skin was on fire. My hands and feet especially. I guess while on doxy I can't even be out in the sun?
Anyone have experience taking doxy during the summer? This is only March and I am already having problems! Or could this be a new lyme symptom? Burning pain in the sun?
I am feeling extremley discouraged as since I have 2 small kids we are always outside. I can give up alcohol (hard but can do it!) and sugar, but not now the sun!!
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I can't take any sun. I've gotten horrible burns even while wearing sun screen and trying to avoid the sun while on phototoxic/photosensitive meds. It doesn't take much sun to cause the reaction.
The last time it took two months to heal and I still have the burn/tan marks. It's been 6 months.
Here are some articles. I looked like the picture. Not just doxy does this. I've had it happen with ibuprofen.
Yes, none of your skin should be exposed to the sun at all basically. I took my kids to SeaWorld once and forgot to bring an umbrella to protect myself from the sun so I had to buy one of those ridiculous giant black and white SeaWorld umbrellas and walk around with it all day. Kind of embaressing considering it was sunny out and there was no rain. I must have given people a pause. I have been on Doxy for a while and I am not out in the sun more than a few minutes without covering. Sunscreen doesn't prevent the rashes and sun issues. You just have to cover up from my experience. Sorry!!!
Posted by pointermom (Member # 43153) on :
my LLMD mentioned that she likes to prescribe mino in the summer months and doxy in the winter.
I was only recently diagnosed, so I haven't had to deal with summer yet.
Does it help to go out early and late in the day, and to stay in during the middle of the day when the sun is more intense?
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I only go out when the sun is behind the trees, later in the day is usually good.
Even on a cloudy day, I've gotten burned.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I heard that this helps sun sensitivity big time!!
Yes I had severe burns last year on my hands from driving. Scars/burn marks like Judie.
This year I put 60 spf sunscreen on my hands to drive seven minutes in the car if the sun is out and wear a huge brimmed sun hat.
Yesterday I was in the sun with 45 spf for less than 5 minutes going from one building to another and my skin on my face feels burned but isn't red.
I agree, covering up seems to be the only way.
Last year I was on mino in the sunny months, but I have some co's that only seem to respond to doxy as well.
So I guess I will look like a weirdo in my big sun hat in my car. Haha. Driving gloves will be next, as the hand burns are terrible!
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
I had to quit doxy in the spring because I couldn't be out in the sun for two minutes without burning. It can be pretty serious - more like a chemical burn than just a sunburn.
I also developed an allergy to zithromax when I was out in the sun for several hours. I was covered with hives. You have to be very careful.
I switched from doxy to ketek and that is what got me over the Bb.
Posted by hokiegirl (Member # 31140) on :
Thanks for the information. Upsetting, but I don't think I am going to be able to take doxy during the summer.
My hands were on fire last night and tingling on and off. I have an appt with my llmd to discuss.