Drugs and sun - it's not a good combination. Everyone knows that lounging on the beach is harmful. But not everyone knows that sensible or even accidental sun exposure can also be dangerous when you are taking some medications. Drugs and the sun are often a dangerous combination - photoallergic or phototoxic reaction can occur on the skin when exposed to sunlight.
Why, when taking somemedications,have to be careful aboutsun ? The sun can causeskin diseases-photodermatoses . Although not only the sun. This type of skin reaction can also be caused by laser light used, for example, when closing blood vessels or laser hair removal.
Experts divide dermatoses intoidiopathic , when the sun itself is the culprit. But there are also those for which an accomplice is needed - externalphotosensitizing substance(it may be some drug ingredient). Depending on the mechanism of action of these substances, the skin may experience a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction. More and more often it is said about the development of sun allergy due to weakened immunity.
Phototoxic reactions
Phototoxic reactions appear under the influence of substances introduced into the body, which increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Hypersensitivity istemporaryand usually disappears after drug discontinuation. In addition, the changes appear immediately after sunbathing and affect only the part of the skin that has been exposed to the sun. Phototoxic reactions resemble severe sunburn. It is often a sharp erythema, sometimes with blisters.
Photoallergic reactions - allergies
Allergic reactions occur only in some people who use photosensitizing agents. The changes appear only a day after being exposed to sunlight and spread beyond places that have been exposed to sunlight. Usually these areitchy lumps filled with plasmathat leak out of the pimples. This is a real allergic reaction.
The molecules of drugs changed under the influence of the sun combine with the proteins of the skin, creating allergenic allergens, similar to e.g. grass pollen. The immune system remembers these allergens. The consequence of this is that it appears after each useof the drug and even a very short stay in the sun of acute inflammation of the skin, accompanied byswelling and urticaria .
Medicines that can be harmful in combination with the sun
Almost any medication can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. If the preparation used causes irritation, do not sunbathe during the treatment. The group of drugs that are dangerous to the skin in combination with sunbathing includes:
- sulfonamides- usually the most sensitizing drugs;
- diabetes medications , e.g. diabetol and chloropropamide;
- phenothiazinesquite commonly used in psychiatry and neurology - chlorpromazine, promethazine, promazine, thioridazine and others;
- antibiotics , especially doxycycline (less tetracycline administered in the treatment of acne) and quinolone antibiotics with pefloxacin at the fore;
- beta-blockers , i.e. drugs used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, mainly Propranolol and other preparations administered to lower blood pressure; also antiarrhythmic agents;
- diuretics ,
- cholesterol-lowering drugs , the so-called fibrates;
- anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drugs , which more and more often show photosensitizing effects;
- hormonal drugsadministered with hormone replacement therapy (estrogens sensitize to the sun and cause uneven sunbathing. Note! This risk also applies to women using contraceptive pills);
- psolareny , i.e. sun sensitizing drugs, this group includes anti-psoriasis drugs;
- anti-dandruff and anti-acne medicationsmanufactured on the basis of tar;
- antibacterials , even those added to soaps - hexachlorophene and para-aminobenzoic acid;
- antifungal medications , mainly in the form of ointments;
- St. John's wort and angelica oil , as well as infusions and tablets made of these plants - they are eagerly used by people with even mild liver problems.
Protect your skin from the sun
In order not to tempt fate and avoid serious sun complications, people at risk of photodermatoses and those suffering from diseases that do not like the sun (e.g. rosacea, porphyria) should not stay in the bright sun. They must protect themselves from it by wearing long-sleeved clothes, a hat, and even gloves. It is obligatory to use creams containing a high filter (not less than SPF 30) on the whole body. Such a cream should contain not only a filter againstUVB, but also a UVA filter.
People overcome with a morbid desire to sunbathe ( tanorexia ) should be especially careful - regardless of the effects. Specialists believe that mild mental disorders are the basis of such a procedure.
It is not only drugs that make the skin sensitive to the sun
Doctors emphasize that ovarian dysfunction, inflammation and pregnancy may cause an unfavorable skin reaction to the sun in the form ofspots and discoloration . Special protection should also be remembered by people who underwentdermatological treatmentsbefore the vacation, as well as those who used skin lightening agents or other more invasive skin treatment methods before going on vacation, e.g. exfoliation of the epidermis, laser hair removal, brightening the mustache above the lips.
Herbs and vegetables that may cause photodermatitis
Plants and some foods eaten in excess can also be tricky. Photodermatoses are caused by, among others :
- dill,
- celery,
- carrot,
- artichoke,
- chicory,
- lettuce,
- thistle,
- ruta,
- St. John's wort,
- arnika,
- chrysanthemum,
- dandelion,
- calendula,
- sunflower.
The reaction arises after eating or direct contact withthe sap or leaves of the plant . Allergy occurs even on cloudy days, but the sun's rays intensify it considerably. Then there arered spots or stripeson the skin. Relief will be provided by rinsing the skin with lukewarm water. If symptoms persist after a few hours, see your doctor.
- Home remedies for sunburn
- Allergy (allergy) to the sun: causes, symptoms and treatment
- How to sunbathe safely? He althy tanning guide
The article was published in the monthly "Zdrowie"