Medications which cause photosensitivity

9 min read
Medications which cause photosensitivity
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This blog post lists the medications that can cause photosensitivity and what the signs of photosensitivity look like. Many of these drugs are taken by people daily without realising that it can put them at even more risk in the sun.  

What causes photosensitivity? 

  • Certain diseases, medical conditions and disorders, like lupus, psoriasis, and polymorphic light eruption are known to increase an individual's sensitivity to ultraviolet light.  
  • Ingredients commonly used in skincare products, such as retinol and benzoyl peroxide, increase skin photosensitivity through their removal of the outermost layer of skin.  
  • Some widely used medications, including antibiotics, antihistamines and certain heart medicine are known sun-sensitising drugs. 

What is drug-induced photosensitivity? 

Photosensitivity is defined as an extreme sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, resulting in inflammation. Certain photosensitizing medications are known to cause abnormally high sensitivity to UV rays from the sun, leading to sunburn or dermatitis on skin that has been exposed to the sun. This occurs when a drug or chemical agent, referred to as photosensitisers, combines with UV radiation to cause a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction 

Phototoxic reactions are caused through the activation of a photosensitising agent by light, resulting from direct damage to skin tissue. This skin reaction occurs anywhere between minutes to hours after being exposed to a photosensitising agent and UV light. Phototoxic reactions appear as an exaggerated sunburn reaction on skin that has been exposed to UV rays from the sun. Identified by redness, swelling and itchiness, in severe cases blistering and weeping can also occur.  

Photoallergic reactions are a cell-mediated immune response, wherein an allergen on the skin, or a photosensitising agent, is activated by light. Though less common, they result in irritated, eczematous skin 24-72 hours after exposure. Unlike phototoxicity, photoallergic reactions may spread to areas that haven’t been exposed to the sun or photosensitising agent.  

What drugs are known to cause or contribute to photosensitivity?  

There are a number of medications known to increase an individual's sensitivity to the sun. If you have a history of allergies and sensitivities like eczema and rosacea, you may be more likely to experience photosensitivity. Both topical and oral medications can cause photosensitivity, so it’s important to check if any medication you are currently taking is a known photosensitiser 

  • Antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria and are used in fighting bacterial infections such as tonsillitis.  
  • Antifungals inhibit the growth of fungi, such as athlete’s foot.  
  • Antihistamines inhibit the physiological effects of histamines, a compound released by cells in response to injury or allergic reactions.  
  • Cholesterol lowering drugs work by lowering the body’s production of cholesterol to prevent the build-up of plaque on artery walls. 
  • Diuretics promote the production of urine, and are used in instances such as kidney diseases, water poisoning, and heart failure.  
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are widely used to decrease inflammation, reduce pain, and decrease fever.  
  • Oral contraceptives are also known as birth control pills and contain the hormones oestrogen and progestin that block the release of eggs from the ovaries each month.  
  • Phenothiazines are used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders, like schizophrenia and psychosis. 
  • Psoralens like methoxsalen and trioxsalen are administered for phototherapy treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema.  
  • Retinoids are often used in anti-aging skin care, but it is also used to reduce inflammation, and more potent retinoids like acitretin and isotretinoin are used to treat severe psoriasis and acne.  
  • Sulphonamides are a group of medicine used to treat bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, eye infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and more.  
  • Sulfonylureas work to increase the production of insulin from the pancreas and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.  
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, are used in cosmetics to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve overall skin texture. 

Not everyone who takes this medication will have the same reaction. In fact, some people might not have any reaction to the medication. It’s also important to remember that some individuals are more susceptible to sun damage than others to begin with. So, reactions can vary, or not occur at all. Regardless, it’s better to be safe and take precautions rather than be sorry in the future. 

Treatment for drug-induced photosensitivity 

In the event that you do experience skin irritation or burn, a cool compress helps alleviate discomfort. Remaining hydrated is also important. Aloe vera in topical gel form is also very effective in calming irritated skin.  

The main goal of treatment is to identify the photosensitising agent and avoid it if possible. You can check for skin allergies by doing a patch test and waiting 48 hours to determine a reaction. 

In cases where the medication being taken cannot be discontinued, individuals should take extra care to protect their skin from UV radiation by implementing sun protection strategies. Dermatologists recommend wearing sun protective clothing as a first line of defence and high protection factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen as a second line of defence.  

Primary source: The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

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