Getting outside to soak up the sun is great for both physical and mental health benefits; however, it is also important to be cautious and protect your skin! There are numerous factors that can impact how ultraviolet (UV) rays affect your skin. An often-overlooked factor is the use of certain medications. It is important to be aware if your medications, whether taking long term or short term, may increase your sensitivity to UV rays.
What are UV rays?
UV rays are invisible rays from the sun and sources like tanning beds. There are two main types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the most common and can penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more harmful. UVB rays are shorter and mostly affect the top layer of skin, and some are even blocked by the earth’s ozone layer. The strength of UV rays also depends on geographic location – places closer to the equator experience stronger UV rays. Although everyone is at risk for events such as sun rashes, sunburns, or UV damage to their skin, those who are on certain medications may be at an increased risk.
What is sun sensitivity?
Photosensitivity, or sun sensitivity, means a person’s skin has increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to sunburn-like symptoms or rashes. Medications may cause two types of photosensitivity: phototoxic and photoallergic reactions.
Phototoxic reactions typically cause a burning rash – like a sunburn – and are dose dependent, meaning the higher the dose of the medication, the higher the risk. These reactions are typically seen within 24 hours of sun exposure and are limited to exposed skin.
Photoallergic reactions can cause an itchy rash that tends to be more persistent and long-lasting. This happens when UV exposure alters the medication within the body, leading to the immune system thinking the medication is a foreign threat, which triggers an allergic response. The allergic response can then cause skin reactions such as rashes, blisters, or red bumps. These reactions can be harder to predict as the rash can occur more than 24 hours after UV exposure and can affect skin not exposed to sunlight.
Which medications may increase risk for sun sensitivity?
Although the list below is not all-encompassing, some common medications that can cause sun sensitivity include:
- Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
- Antifungals (fluconazole, voriconazole, griseofulvin)
- Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, furosemide and triamterene)
- Anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)
- Anti-nausea medications (chlorpromazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine)
- Diabetes medications (glipizide, glyburide)
- Retinoids:
- Oral: acitretin and isotretinoin
- Topical: tretinoin and tazarotene
- Sulfonamides (sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, acetazolamide)
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) – glycolic acid and lactic acid – typically found in over the counter topical agents, check product specific labeling
How can you protect your skin?
Protecting your skin from UV rays is essential whenever you may be exposed, such as when you are outdoors. Below are some tips for protecting your skin:
- Seek shade during peak UV hours (typically between 10:00 am and 2:00 p.m., though it can be up to 4 p.m.)
- Check the UV index: A reading above 6 is considered high and requires extra precautions
- Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (blocks both UVA and UVB rays)
- Choosing SPF strength: SPF 15 provides the minimum measurable protection; therefore, SPF 30 or higher is recommended.
- Cover all areas: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas and even to less obvious places such as lips, ears, scalp, and back of neck
- Avoid the use of tanning beds
Talk to your pharmacist or provider if you are unsure if your medications can cause sun sensitivity – sun safety starts with knowing your risks!
Not sure if your medications increase sun sensitivity? The pharmacists at Brown Health Pharmacy are here to help. Talk with your pharmacist or primary care provider to understand your personal risks and get guidance on staying safe in the sun all year long.
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