Sun Safety - Azathioprine

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Helen Marie
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Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 3:25 pm
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by Helen Marie on Mon May 14, 2012 3:36 pm

Sun Safety - Azathioprine

Hi,

I am 21 years old and have been on 150 mg/day Azathiprine for treatment of Ulcerative Colitis for around two years. I am aware that Azathioprine can increase the risk of skin cancer and I do try to cover up or use high factor sun cream when possible. However my hair is thinner than it used to be (I assume also from this medication) and 2-3 times per year I do get mild-moderate sunburn on my scalp.

Although I do wear a hat if I remember to, is there any way of treating the effects of sunburn specifically on the scalp ie. lotions, shampoos etc?

Also, should I get my scalp checked by a medical professional as the skin here is obviously less easy to check for suspicious moles etc myself?

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Dr_Andrew_Wright
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Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:05 am
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by Dr_Andrew_Wright on Wed May 16, 2012 9:30 am

Re: Sun Safety - Azathioprine

Hi Helen this is a difficult area as there are no sunblocks for the scalp as they are too messy and I would suggest that you wore a hatas much as possible, another thoughtwhich I do somtimes if Im out and cant find shade is to use an umbrella it is agood idea to get your saclp checked regularly as well
Dr Andrew Wright
Consultant Dermatologist

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