Meds and the Sun: Unintended Consequences

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Many of us have made this mistake once already and won’t repeat it: Some medications can cause photosensitivity – which will prompt you to sunburn faster than usual. This can be the case for items applied to the skin or medications that are injected or taken by mouth. A short list follows, or you can go straight to the FDA’s list here. Not everyone who takes or uses these medications will have a reaction. Also, having a reaction once doesn’t mean you will have a reaction again. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you take any of these, stay out of the sun and cover your skin and use sunscreen if you must be out.

  • Antibiotics

  • Antihistamines

  • Diuretics

  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs

  • Antifungals

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Oral contraceptives and estrogen

  • Retinoids

  • Alpha-hydroxy acids in cosmetics

  • Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes

  • Psoralens

  • Phenothiazines

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