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Dasatinib & the sun

Hi

I just wondered if anyone else on dasatinib (or any other TKI) has any skin reactions to the sun?! 

My hands have come up in a red, 'blistery' type rash which feels like sunburn - especially when I put my hands in warm/hot water. They look truly awful!

I have suffered with this before and this weekend the dreaded rash has returned - coincidental, so has the sun! The rash is nowhere else though - just my hands and occasionally it appears on my feet! I can only assume that it is a reaction with the sun and dasatinib as nothing else in my diet & lifestyle has changed. I never had it before my diagnosis and didn't have it when I was on imatinib.

Last year I was referred to a dermatologist but by the time I actually saw him, it was autumn and the rash wasn't there for him to see! I have been prescribed some steroid cream to put on them but it doesn't really help. I'm also trying to keep a high factor suncream on them - one consultant I saw last year advised me to wear gloves to keep my hands out of the sun - fashionistas beware - swimwear and gloves is not a great combo!!

I just wondered if anyone else has experienced the same and if so, have you found anything to help. I'm going abroad for the Easter holidays and worried my hands will get worse.

Rachael x

 

Hi

I've only been using Dasatinib for6 weeks, but very quickly after starting I got a light rash on the skin at the top of my cheek bones - it felt slightly leathery. The top of my head became quite sore, I believe this was as a result of being out in the sun for no more than about 30 minutes. The cheekbone rash and scalp felt exactly like it was sunburn, as you describe, but I think it's a lot milder than you have. It took about a week staying out of the sun before it stopped being irritating. I have a tendency for spots now in my scalp. This is all new.

I now use factor 30 whenever exposed to the sun for a significant period, and managed to go skiing in bright sunshine for 3 days with little sign of photo-sensitivity using the sun block on my face.hands/head. I kept my scalp mostly covered. My hands are ok, (although rather pale!), but have not had much sun exposure.

The skin rash was helped by using Diprobase cream which you can get over the counter at Boots for about £12, or on prescription.

I always use rubber gloves when washing up, and haven't had any hand reaction to washing them /showering.

I hope this helps.

Rod

It's difficult to know whether it's linked but I feel that my skin has become much more reactive to sunlight since being on Dasatanib for 2.5 years. I've never had particularly tanning skin, but in the past few years just a short time in the sun- a 20 minute bike ride, or even a short car journey- and my skin starts to burn.

It's not such a bother as I just need to slap on some spray- there are some very unobtrusive ones available- but it makes trips to the beach and long walks in the sun more complicated...

ADJL