Dr. Oz Tips on Medication and Sun Sensitivity, Phototoxicity - AARP The Magaz...

When the Sun Makes You Sick

Certain medications react with the sun which means you need to be vigilant about skin protection

This summer, while you're having fun in the , keep in mind that three linked to — drug-induced sun sensitivity, sun allergy, and sun-induced eczema — can seriously damage . Drug-induced sun sensitivity, also known as phototoxicity, most often occurs when the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with a medication you're taking and cause an almost immediate reaction on your skin. (See table below for a list of medications likely to cause skin reactions.)

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Dr. Mehmet Oz

A sun allergy, often called a photoallergy, comes on more slowly but can also be dangerous. This type of sun sensitivity usually happens when UV rays convert a chemical, such as a fragrance on your skin, into a substance that your immune system decides to attack.The result is an itchy, red rash that can take several days to go away. Finally, sun-induced eczema occurs when your entire immune system goes haywire, causing itchy, red skin or, in severe cases, blisters. think long-term, intense sun exposure may alter our skin in such a way that our immune system no longer recognizes it as our own. The condition tends to be more common in older men with a history of working outdoors, though it has also been seen in women who love to sunbathe.

Medications to Watch

The sun can irritate your skin if you're taking or using the following: NSAIDs
ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, celecoxib, piroxicam
Antibiotics tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), sulfonamides Statins atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin Hypoglycemics sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide) Diuretics furosemide, hydroclorothiazide Sunscreens para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), cinnamates, benzophenones, salicylates Fragrances musk ambrette, 6-methylcoumarin, sandalwood
Next: To avoid these ailments, plus , limit your sun exposure. Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Wear clothing made of a tightly woven material with long sleeves. And use the right . Ultraviolet rays are made up of UVA and UVB rays, but the UVA rays are the bigger culprit in triggering sun-induced skin disorders. Make sure to buy sunscreen that contains one of the following ingredients, which block both types of rays: avobenzone, dioxybenzone, ecamsule, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

Three Types of Sun Illness and Their Symptoms br

Photo by Margaret Riegel Medication and sun can be a dangerous cocktail for older skin. 1. Phototoxicity Frequency: Common
Onset of Symptoms: Minutes to hours after UV exposure
Location: Sun-exposed skin
Main Symptom: Pain
Appearance: Exacerbated sunburn 2. Photoallergy Frequency: Rare
Onset of Symptoms: One to two days after UV exposure
Location: Sun-exposed skin
Main Symptom: Pain
Appearance: Redness, rash
3. Sun-induced Eczema Frequency: Rare
Onset of Symptoms: Gradually, over time
Location: Anywhere on skin
Main symptom: Itching
Appearance: Rash, blistering You may also like:

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