Can Certain Medications Make Your Skin More Sensitive to the Sun?

The short answer to the question is yes, there are multiple medications that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. These include both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, with reactions ranging from rashes to an increased risk of sunburn.

Such photosensitivity medications are surprisingly common and, being as many of us are guilty of not reading those lengthy small-print information leaflets that are legally included in all drug packaging, we’re here to make it easier for you.

Medications that Cause Sunburn (or increase the risk of it)

When we think of skin sensitivity to the sun, sunburn is usually the first thing that springs to mind. But it’s not just that horrible redness; they can also increase the risk of a sun reaction rash, and the itching and irritation that this can bring.

All medications that increase skin sensitivity have the potential to cause both a rash and/or sunburn, which together are referred to as sun sensitivity.

However, it doesn’t apply to all the drugs within a class. In other words, not all antibiotics cause photosensitivity, and neither do all water pills, antihistamines, etc. The following list is not exhaustive, but we’ve tried to include as many of the more common medications that are known to cause sun sensitivity as possible.

• Antibiotics: Doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, trimethoprim
• Antihistamines: Cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine.
• Antifungals: Flucytosine, griseofulvin, voriconazole
• Cholesterol-lowering medication: Simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin
• Diuretics (water tablets): Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, furosemide, triamterene
• NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen
• Oral contraceptives and estrogens
• Phenothiazines (tranquilizers, anti-emetics): Fluphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, prochlorperazine
• Psoralens (used to treat skin conditions): methoxsalen, trioxsalen
• Retinoids: acitretin, isotretinoin
• Sulfonamides (used to treat infections): acetazolamide, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, sulfasalazine, sulfasoxazole)
• Sulfonylureas (used for type 2 diabetes): glipizide, glyburide
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): used in cosmetics

Happily, not everyone will experience sun sensitivity when taking such medications. But it’s wise to take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place or, if you’re one of the unlucky ones, as soon as you notice any issues.

Dermatology Sun Protection Tips

The following are sensible precautions to prevent any skin problems if you’ve been prescribed any of the above medications. As an aside, they’re sun protection tips that we’d advise you follow at all times, not only when taking such drugs. With the sun being one of the primary reasons for accelerated skin aging, not to mention skin cancer, adopting these easy steps into daily life is something you’ll thank us for in both the short and the long-term.

• Keep out of the sun when it’s at its strongest: “Mad dogs and Englishmen…” and all that, is as true today as ever. When the sun is high in the sky and your shadow is at its shortest, which is typically between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., it’s time to seek shade. OK, so we know this isn’t necessarily easy, so implementing the rest of the tips can help mitigate this.
• Wear a hat, long sleeves, sunglasses, and long trousers: Cover up your skin so it isn’t directly exposed to the UV rays. Go for flowing, loose, natural fabrics to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort.
• Wear sunscreen: Always, every day, even if it’s cloudy or the weather is less than perfect. It should be a high factor (minimum of SOPF 30, but ideally 50). 

Also be aware that the sun’s rays will be exacerbated when they’re reflected off water, glass, sand, snow, etc. Other things that influence the power of the sun’s rays include:

• Where you are: The sun is stronger the closer to the equator you are. This is because it’s more directly overhead and the protective atmosphere is thinner. So, you’ll have greater sun exposure in Texas than you will in Minnesota, for example.
• The season: Summer brings more extreme heat, longer hours of sunlight, and more intense UV rays than winter.
• Altitude (height): The higher you are, the stronger the UV rays.

As dermatologists, we constantly advise our clients about the importance of sun protection. While the need intensifies if you’re taking a potentially photosensitive medication, we can’t overstress the importance of using high-quality UV sunscreen daily.

This, and a good quality skin care regime combined with carefully chosen anti-aging treatments, is the key to ensuring your skin remains at its best throughout your life.

Find out more about our wide range of cutting-edge skin treatments at Services | Bayou City Dermatology