medicines-and-sunlight-avoid-skin-reactions

Some medicines can cause skin reactions if the skin is exposed to sunlight without protection. This also applies to light from sunbeds. This is called photosensitivity and can resemble sunburn. It is important to prevent these reactions.

Check whether your medicines can cause a rash in sunlight

Medicines used for both long-term and short-term conditions can cause skin reactions in sunlight. This also applies to over-the-counter medicines. If you are unsure whether this applies to your medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist, or read the package leaflet.

Examples of medicines that can cause skin reactions in sunlight

Some common examples are listed below, but this list is not exhaustive. Always check the package leaflet for information about your medicines.

Antibiotics

• Tetracyclines (such as doxycycline) are the antibiotics responsible for most cases of skin reactions in sunlight. These antibiotics are used to treat many types of infections and acne.

• Trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin are examples of other commonly used antibiotics that can cause skin reactions.

Anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers

• Ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are examples of medicines that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These commonly used medicines are also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Naproxen and diclofenac can cause skin reactions, but these occur rarely with ibuprofen.

• When a pain-relieving gel containing diclofenac is applied to the skin, skin reactions can occur after exposure to sunlight.

Heart and blood pressure medicines

• Thiazides are diuretics often used to treat high blood pressure. Most people tolerate thiazides well, but some may develop long-lasting sensitivity to sunlight.

• Amiodarone is used to treat heart rhythm disorders. It can make the skin sensitive to sunlight for a prolonged period, and everyone taking amiodarone must protect themselves from sunlight.

Contraceptive pills

Contraceptive pills very rarely cause a rash following sun exposure. However, some people may develop small patches of pigmentation on their skin after several months of use. This is called melasma. A useful precaution is to approach sun exposure cautiously to find out whether you are among those who experience these reactions.

Prevention is important

The most important precaution is to be careful. If you take medicines that can cause skin reactions, you should avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds as much as possible, particularly during the first few days of treatment. Stay out of the sun around midday, protect your skin by covering it with light clothing and wear a hat. Also use sunscreen that provides good protection against UVA rays.

If a rash develops

The rash may resemble sunburn and cause discomfort. In most cases, the reaction resolves quickly. It is important to contact a doctor or pharmacist before stopping the medicine. If treatment cannot be stopped or the medicine changed, it is important to avoid direct sunlight.

In some cases, skin reactions can be long-lasting or severe and require treatment. In these cases, you must contact a doctor.