When the sun is down we have to pay more attention to protect our skin from the sun's rays, when we drink drugs we can inadvertently leave our skin more exposed, causing unexpected damage.
The most common drugs and some antibiotics cause us photosensitivity reactions. We have to read the leaflets well as they will indicate all the possible secondary symptoms that we may suffer. To date, there are around 300 drugs that can cause photosensitivity, that is, an abnormal skin reaction when exposed to the sun.
Photosensitivity
We speak of photosensitivity when ultraviolet rays combined with the active principles of the drugs that bind generate damage to the skin and if it is not taken into account it can be harmful and cause serious damage. So we recommend taking into account which are those medications that may be the culprits, among which are antihistamines, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
The direct consequence would be a very bad sunburn that usually disappears between two and seven days after stopping the drug that caused the burn. However, there are cases that stains or burns transcend up to a month, since there is a marked pigmentation of the skin.
Prevent photosensitivity
The ideal is to take precautions from minute one, use sun creams with a higher protection factor To prevent the rays from reaching our skin, we have to be aware of repeating the application of sunscreen since it is not valid just to put it on once.
We have to be smart in taking, since if the drug in question must be consumed once a day, it is preferable to take medication when the dose falls. night and the sun can't bother us. If, despite taking these two measures, spots and burns are seen, you should see a doctor to determine what the cause may be.
Photosensitive medicines
- Antifungals: ketoconazole, griseofluvin.
- Anti-acne: retinoic acid, isotretinoin.
- Antibiotics: nalidixic acid sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracyclines.
- Antiulcers: omeplazole, ranitidine.
- contraceptives: estradiol, levonorgestrel.
- Ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, piroxicam.
- Cardiovascular agents: captopril, diuretics, amiodarone.
The perfumes They are also photosensitive, they can make us burn in the sun, in addition, as they are applied to the neck area, it is very difficult to get burned without realizing it. On the other hand, essential oils they can also cause photosensitivity reactions.