Sun sensitivity or photosensitivity is the inflammation of the skin, as the result of being exposed to sunlight while taking certain medications.
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People who experience photosensitivity will usually first experience a burning or stinging sensation on their exposed skin. Within 24 hours the exposed skin area will most likely show some damage; ranging anywhere from redness, to swelling, to blisters in more severe cases.
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We suggest that if you are taking medication, that you ask your doctor how to best protect yourself when in the sun.
Some Precautionary Steps
When a person can’t avoid sun exposure, there are some precautionary steps that can be taken to help reduce the effects of photosensitivity.
• Avoid or limit the amount of sun exposure during the hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
• Wear light colored protective clothing such as a wide brim hat, long sleeve shirt and pants.
• Use sunglasses with impact resistant lenses that offer 100% UV protection.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications’ drug photosensitivity potential.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, since sunscreen gradually wears off. You will also want to reapply sunscreen after swimming or strenuous activity resulting in heavy perspiration.
Sample List of Medications
This is a sample list of some medications that may increase a person’s sensitivity to the sun.
Not everyone who takes these medications will develop photosensitivity reactions. It’s important to keep in mind that some people have more susceptibility to these medications than others.
It is suggested that if you are taking any medication and plan to be out in the sun, that you ask your doctor how best to protect yourself while in the sun.
The following medications have been linked with photosensitivity in some people.
Acne medications - isotretinoin (Accutane), acitretin (Soriatane)
Antibiotics - Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, trimethoprim
Anticonvulsants - Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Felbamate (Felbatol), Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Antidepressants - Elavil, Imipramine, Desipramine, Ludiomil, Desyrel (Trazadone), Norpramine, Parnate, Sinequan, St. John's Wort
Antihistamines - Promethazine, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Antihypertensives - Aldactazide, Capozide, Cardizem, Diltiazem
Antiparkinsonians - Cogentin, Artane, Symmetrel
Cardiac Drugs - amiodarone (Cordarone), nifedipine (Procardia), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)
Cholesterol Drugs - Simvastatin, Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Lovastatin
Diabetic drugs - sulfonylureas [chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase)
Diuretics - Furosemide (Lasix), Bumetanide (Bumex), Hydrolorothiazide (Microzide, Esidrix)
Fragrances - Musk Ambrette, 6-methylcoumarin, Sandalwood
Hormones - Corticosteroids (Prednisone), Oral contraceptives
Hypoglycemics - Glucotrol, glyburide
Neuroleptic Drugs - Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Perphenazine, Thioridazine, Thiothixene
Nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Celecoxib (Celebrex), Ketoprofen (Orudis)
Psychiatric drugs - - Thorazine, Compazine, Stellazine, Mellaril, Navane, Trilafon, Haldol, Loxitane, Prolixi, Risperdal
Skin medications - photodynamic therapy for skin cancer [ALA or 5-aminolevulinic acid (Levulan), Methyl-5-aminolevulinic acid)
Reminder – It’s important to ask your doctor how best to protect yourself while in the sun.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
Additional Information
For more information, or to request an initial consultation, please contact:
Linda Ziac, LPC, LADC, BCPC, CEAP, CCM, CDP
The Caregiver Resource Center
Greenwich, CT
