Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) (cont.)
Medical Author:
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEPJohn P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
 What are the symptoms of sun sensitivity (photosensitivity)?
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Symptoms of phototoxic reaction Individuals with phototoxic reactions may initially complain of a burning and stinging sensation. Then the redness typically occurs within 24 hours of the exposure to sun in the exposed areas of the body such as the forehead, nose, hands, arms, and lips. In severe cases, the sun protected areas of skin may be also be involved. The range of skin damage may vary from mild redness to swelling to blister formation (bullae) in more severe cases. The rash from this photosensitivity reaction usually resolves with sloughing off (desquamation) of the affected area within several days. Symptoms of photoallergic reactions Individuals with photoallergic reactions may initially complain of itching (pruritus). This is then followed by redness and possibly swelling and eruption of the involved area. Because this is considered an allergic reaction, there may be no symptoms for many days when the drug is taken for the first time. Subsequent exposure to the drug and the sun may cause a more rapid response in 1-2 days. Hyperpigmentation after reaction Hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the affected area of the skin may develop after the resolution of a phototoxicity reaction, but it is rare in a photoallergic reaction. In phototoxic reactions, high doses of the drug and long exposures to light may be required to cause the reaction. What are some common sun-sensitizing drugs?
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Phototoxic drugsCommon phototoxic drugs include the following: Antibiotics
Antihistamines
Malaria medications
Cancer chemotherapy drugs
Cardiac drugs
Diuretics
Diabetic drugs
Painkillers
Skin medications
Acne medications
Psychiatric drugs
Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on 7/18/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Sun-Sensitive Drugs - Foods and Plants
Question: What vegetables, fruits or plants cause you to have a photosensitivity reaction?
Sun-Sensitive Drugs - Medication Types
Question: If you had a sun-sensitive reaction to a drug, what was the medication?
Sun-Sensitive Drugs - Symptoms
Question: Describe your reaction or symptoms to a sun-sensitive medication.
Sun-Sensitive Drugs - Treatment
Question: What type of treatment did you receive after experiencing a sun-sensitive drug reaction?
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