How do photosensitivity and sunburn fit together? What is photosensitivity? You are most likely aware of the need to wear sun protection to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. However, few people have heard of photosensitivity. This condition can increase the damage to your skin from the sun. What is it? Photosensitivity is an abnormal increase in the skin’s response to the UV rays. This condition is exacerbated by medications and medical conditions.1
Phototoxic or Photoallergic
If you experience photosensitivity you may have a red rash that occurs as a direct result of exposure to UV rays. The body parts that receive the most exposure to sun are at the most risk – the arms, chest, face, ears, back, and legs.
Photosensitive reactions are photoallergic or phototoxic.2 Phototoxic reactions are the most common and are the result of the interaction between UV rays and certain medications and medical treatments. A phototoxic reaction normally resembles severe sunburn and occurs within one day of exposure.3
Photoallergic reactions do not occur until one to three days after exposure. Because this type of reaction is allergy based the immune system must activate in order for the symptoms to become noticeable.4
Drugs and Photosensitivity
Numerous drugs cause photosensitivity. Chemotherapy drugs are a large class of drugs that are frequently associated with photosensitivity. These drugs include:5
- Dacarbazine
- Fluorouracil
- Methotrexate
- Vinblastine
Sun sensitive drugs can be further broken down in to phototoxic and photoallergic. Some common phototoxic drugs that result in photosensitivity are:6
- Antibiotics: ciproflaxin, levoflaxin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim
- Antihistamines: diphenhydramine
- Malaria medication: quinine, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine
- Cancer therapy
- Cardiac treatment: amiodarone, nifedipine, quinidine, diltlazem
- Diuretics: furosemide, thiazides
- Diabetic drugs: sulfonylureas
- Painkillers: naproxen, piroxicam
- Psychiatric drugs: phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants
- Skin medications
- Acne medication
Drugs also fall under the photoallergic category:7
- Sunscreens
- Anti-microbials
- Painkillers: celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Chemotherapy drugs: 5-fluorouracil
- Fragrances
The lists of photoallergic and phototoxic drugs are not meant to be complete. These lists are included to give you a broad picture of the numerous drugs that can cause photosensitivity.
Medical Conditions and Photosensitivity
In addition to taking medicines and having a reaction, you may become photosensitive when undergoing certain medical treatments. For example, Systematic Lupus Erythematosus results in a red rash across the bridge of the face – the nose and cheeks. This red rash is considered to be a hallmark of lupus.8 Known as the malar rash, it is considered to be a result of exposure to UV rays.
Another medical condition that can result in photosensitivity is porphyria. This condition is hereditary. When exposed to UV rays, a person with this condition will experience redness and blistering of the skin.9
Treatment of Photosensitivity
While there are no known cures for photosensitivity, there are treatments available that can ease the pain and irritation caused by the skin rashes and blisters. Corticosteroid creams reduce the inflammation of the affected area.10 If you are prescribed this type of cream by your doctor you will rub it on the area that has a rash until it is gone. You will also be asked to keep the rash out of the sunlight. This will mean covering that portion of your body when you venture outside.
Analgesics can also ease the pain of photosensitivity rashes and blisters. Many analgesics are available over the counter. An analgesic with both pain relievers and properties that reduce inflammation are your best choice. Medicines such as acetaminophen do not reduce inflammation but will relieve pain.
Besides medicine, there are other measures you can take to protect yourself from photosensitivity. Whenever you go outside make sure you are covered in clothing that has a tight weave. Loose weave clothing allows UV rays to pass through. Keep a wide brimmed hat on hand and wear it whenever you step outside. Gloves can be worn – even in the summer. You can wear cotton gloves in the summer and heavier wool or leather gloves in the winter.
Always use sunscreen to cover all exposed areas. In addition, you can use heavier sun blocks like zinc oxide for delicate skin on the nose and other vulnerable areas.11
Are You Photosensitive?
Not everyone is photosensitive. However, it is an excellent idea for everyone to take the same measures to protect their skin as a person experiencing photosensitivity. Chances are, if you go outside you will experience photosensitivity at some point in your life – especially if you take medications.
When it comes to photosensitivity and sunburn you must come to terms with the fact that you cannot avoid exposure to the sun. There are times when we all must go outside. Following the advice listed in this article will lessen your chances of a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction.
References
1 Sun Allergy. (2011) Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: www.mayoclinic.com/health/AboutThisSite/AM00057
2 Ibid
3 Photodermatitis. (2011) University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved from: www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/photodermatitis-000155.htm
4 Ibid
5 Photosensitivity. (n.d.). Tennessee Oncology: www.tnoncology.com/lc-photosensitivity.html
6 Photosensitivity Reactions. (2001).Huntsman Cancer Institute. Retrieved at: www.hci.utah.edu/patientdocs/hci/drug_side_effects/photosensitivity_reactions.html
7 Ibid
8 Ibid
9 Ibid
10 Photosensitivity. (2011, August 12). University of Florida Shands Cancer Center: cancer.ufl.edu/learn-about-cancer/cancer-treatment/side-effects-of-cancer-treatment/less-common-side-effects/skin-reactions/photosensitivity/
11 Ibid
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