Some common medications can make you burn more easily in sunlight, but there are steps you can take to protect your skin.

Key takeaways

• Certain medications—such as antibiotics, antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, acne treatments, diuretics, ibuprofen, and many cancer drugs—can cause photosensitivity, where your skin reacts more strongly to sunlight.
• Signs of medication-induced photosensitivity include severe sunburn or sun blisters, rash or hives, redness and swelling, warmth, and skin peeling.
• Wearing sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours, and talking to your doctor about lower doses or alternative medications can help protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.

Is my medication making me more sensitive to sunlight?

Medications have a purpose: to treat illness or disease and alleviate symptoms. But did you know some medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight?

It’s a condition called medication-related photosensitivity, and it can cause your skin to quickly burn, blister, or break out in a rash. And it doesn’t just happen to fair-skinned people. Medication-related sun sensitivity can occur in people with darker skin tones, too.

As temperatures rise and the sun grows brighter above our beautiful Crescent City, learn which medications can cause photosensitivity and how you can protect your skin.

What is medication-related photosensitivity?

Medication-related photosensitivity—also called medication-induced photosensitivity or drug-induced photosensitivity—is an overreaction of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light, leading to severe sunburns, sun blisters, or skin rashes.

There are two types of photosensitivity reactions:

• Phototoxic reactions—This is the most common type. It appears quickly, within minutes to hours, after direct exposure to sunlight. It can look like a bright red, severe sunburn that may blister over time. The skin is also usually warm, and you may feel a burning or stinging sensation.

• Photoallergic reactions—This less common type of reaction is an immune system response to sunlight. It often appears days after sun exposure and looks more like a rash, hives, or eczema than a traditional sunburn.

What are the signs of photosensitivity?

Photosensitivity signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of reaction.

Common signs of a phototoxic reaction include:

• Fast-forming, severe sunburn (within minutes to hours of sun exposure)
• Burning, stinging sensation
• Warmth and dark redness
• Sun blisters
• Skin peeling

Common signs of a photoallergic reaction include:

• Delayed rash or hives (one to two days after sun exposure)
• Itchy, red, eczema-like patches
• Swelling
• Skin peeling

Regardless of the type of photosensitivity reaction, symptoms most often appear on exposed body parts, like your face, neck, ears, and arms. It can also show up on your chest if you’re wearing a V-neck or low-cut shirt.

Remember, you don’t have to have fair skin or be out in the sun for very long to have a medication-induced photosensitivity reaction. Reactions can happen to anyone taking these medications, even with only brief sun exposure, like walking your dog or taking the trash cans out to the curb.

Which medications increase sun sensitivity?

Many medications—including oral (taken by mouth), subcutaneous (injected under the skin), and topical (applied to the skin) medications—can increase sun sensitivity.

Some of the most common types of medications that can cause photosensitivity include:

• Acne treatments—including isotretinoin (Accutane), retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide
• Antibacterial sulfonamides—including sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, sulfasalazine, etc.
• Antibiotics—such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and tetracycline
• Antidepressants—including SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro) and tricyclics
• Antifungal drugs—such as flucytosine, griseofulvin, and voriconazole
• Antihistamines—including Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec
• Blood pressure medications—including diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide), beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors
• Cancer treatments—including radiation, chemotherapy drugs like methotrexate, and targeted therapies like vemurafenib, etc.)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs—such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, and pravastatin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—such as ibuprofen and naproxen

How can I protect my skin if I take a medication that causes sun sensitivity?

Just because you’re taking a medication that makes you more sensitive to sunlight doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. To protect your skin from medication-induced sun sensitivity, follow these basic sun safety tips:

• Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Look for one that is SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide. Be sure to cover all exposed skin and reapply regularly.
• Wear protective clothing. Choosing UV-protective clothing, long sleeves and pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses are all good options for keeping your skin (and eyes) shielded from the sun’s UV rays.
• Limit or avoid peak sun hours. Ultraviolet rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to find shade or stay indoors during these times.
• Take extra precautions around water and sand. These surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, making the UV exposure stronger. Use a sun umbrella when possible and reapply sunscreen often.

You can also talk to your doctor about lowering your medication dose or finding an alternative medicine. This isn’t always an option, but it’s worth exploring.

Read more about how to protect your skin from the strong Louisiana sun.

When to see your healthcare provider

If you’ve become more sensitive to sunlight after starting a new medication, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may be able to lower your medication dose or suggest an alternative medication.

Not sure where to start? Your LCMC Health primary care provider is your first line of defense. Learn more about primary care services and schedule an appointment today.

Related questions about medication-related photosensitivity

Should I stop taking my medication if it’s making me more sensitive to sunlight?

It’s never a good idea to stop taking a medication without first talking to your doctor.

Will I outgrow medication-related photosensitivity over time?

No, your body will not adapt to sun exposure while you’re taking a photosensitive medication or while the medication remains in your system days after stopping. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor and take careful measures to protect your skin while outdoors, including wearing UV-blocking clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and avoiding peak sun hours when UV rays are strongest.

I’ve already had a severe sunburn, and I’m concerned about skin cancer. What should I do?

Getting an annual skin check is a good idea for everyone‚ not just people with photosensitivity. Our expert dermatologists provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and treatments for all forms of skin cancer and related conditions. Learn more about the signs of skin cancer and the dermatology services available at LCMC Health.

I have darker skin. Do I still need to be concerned?

Yes. Skin tone doesn’t matter when it comes to medication-induced sun sensitivity. Even people with darker skin need to use sunscreen and take precautions because everyone is at risk for sunburns and skin cancer. Learn more about keeping your skin safe from the sun.

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