Sun Sensitivity and Summer Days

This is the happiest time of the year for many sun worshippers across the nation. As the weather goes from warm to hot, clothing becomes scant and sun exposed areas are greatly increased. Some of us may be taking medication, that combined with rays of the sun, trigger a toxic or allergic reaction.

Sun sensitive reactions may cause reddening, burning, intense itching and blistering of the skin, usually limited to sun exposed areas (face, neck, hands and arms).

I previously posted an article about a patient I saw in my office who reacted to a sunscreen topical. I reviewed the difference between photo-allergic, photo-toxic and sunburn (See Below).

Common medications reported to cause sun sensitive reactions on occasion include: Tetracyclines (often used for infection and acne), Sulfa drugs, Ibuprofen (Motrin is a brand of this drug), Naproxen (Aleve is a brand of this drug), some diuretics (water pills such as Lasix and Hydrochlorothiazide), and Quinolones (Cipro is a brand). This list is not complete. More can be found on the link below (some pics too!).

Summary on Photo-toxic and Photo-allergic skin reactions.

List of Drugs associated with photo sensitization