With the end of summer and the beginning of fall festivities, there are lots of fun outdoor activities to do. Apple picking, harvest festivals, wine tastings and so much more, but don’t forget the sun is still just as strong! With that, we thought we would offer some final sun recommendations for you to be aware of.

With the kids going back to school one thing you have to be aware of is the increased germs you and your family are exposed to. Many ailments we experience are prescribed sun-sensitizing medication. These medications make it very easy for your skin to be damaged by the sun. In such a busy season no one has time to be benched due to sun damage!

These reactions are either caused by UVB “short waves” or UVA “long waves.” They are categorized into 2 different categories as follows:

1. Photoallergy. Which takes place when the skin is exposed to the sun after you take certain medicines. They will actually change your skin’s texture and causes the increased production of antibodies. The reaction usually includes dry, bumpy rash resembling eczema. It can appear a few days after exposure and can spread to any part of the body whether exposed or not.

2. Phototoxicity. Which is the most common skin reaction can occur after the use of certain medications taken either orally or injected. The medication absorbs the UV light, then releases it, killing healthy skin cells. These effects can last from a few days to 20 years after use of the medication. Common phototoxic medications are: Amiodarone (Cordarone, a heart medication), NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen), and Tetracycline type medications.

Not every person will have an adverse reaction, and the reaction can be different at different phases of your life. People suffering from HIV are more likely to experience sun sensitivity due to the medication they take. These medications can also aggravate existing conditions such as eczema, herpes, and inflame scar tissue.

Sunscreen can help! It lessens the impact of sun exposure, but some ingredients in sunscreens are potentially photosensitizing, so in rare circumstances, it could worsen symptoms.

 

Some of the most common medications and over-the-counter drugs that can cause sun sensitivity include:
• Antibiotics: doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, trimethoprim
• Antidepressants: doxepin (Sinequan); and other tricyclics; St. John’s wort
• Antifungals: griseofulvin
• Antihistamine: promethazine, diphenhydramine
• Antihypertensives (blood pressure drugs): hydrochlorothiazide (also found in some blood pressure medicines: Aldactazide, Capozide), diltiazem (Cardizem)
• Benzocaine
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Cholesterol drugs: atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin
• Chemotherapy drugs: doxorubicin, flutamide, 5-FU, gemcitabine, methotrexate
• Diuretics: bumetanide, furosemide, hydrolorothiazide
• Hypoglycemics: glipizide, glyburide
• Neuroleptic drugs: Chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, thiothixene
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories: celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, piroxicam
• Other drugs: dapsone, Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), quinidine.
• PDT Pro photosensitizers: 5-aminolevulinic acid, methyl-5-aminolevulinic acid
• Retinoids: acitretin, isotretinoin
• Sulfonamides: sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole