-
Skincare on Immunosuppressants
As we kick off the summer season, I am thinking about ways to protect our body’s largest organ (the skin!) from sun damage. Immune-suppressing medications increase the risk of skin cancer, so it’s extra important for PF and transplant patients to use sunscreen correctly, and to wear clothing and accessories that will provide some cover. It’s important to have regular dermatology visits to check for developing skin cancers, but prevention is the first step! Check out my column this week for some tips!
Some immunosuppressants can also make the skin thin and fragile. Prednisone particularly can cause the skin to be very delicate, and tear easily. If you are also using blood thinners, this can be a bad combination. It requires extra vigilance to avoid bumping into things that could cause nasty bruises, or even skin tears, while you are on anti-coagulants. My mom had a fall last year that resulted in skin tears along her entire forearm and had to receive wound care at the hospital for several weeks while it healed.
Have you struggled with skin problems while on these medications? Do you have any tips to stay safe in the sun? How about ways to prevent or treat skin tears and bruises? Please share your suggestions in the comments.
Log in to reply.