Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) (cont.)
Is anyone taking these drugs at risk for developing sunburn?
It is important to realize that not everyone taking any of these drugs will
develop photosensitivity reactions. Certain individuals have more susceptibility
to these medications than others.
Can any foods or plants cause sun sensitivity
(photosensitivity) reactions?
Some vegetables and plants may cause sun sensitivity if they come into
contact with the skin. Mango peel, lime juice, parsnips, or celery, for example,
may cause temporary discoloration (darkening) of the skin contact area when in
the sun. Common phototoxic fruits and vegetables include:
- Lime
- Celery
- Carrots
- Figs
- Parsley
- Parsnips
Are there any medical applications of sun sensitivity
(photosensitivity)?
Photodynamic therapy utilizes the concept of sun or light sensitivity to
treat some skin conditions including skin pre-cancers (actinic keratosis),
skin
cancers, and acne.
Briefly, this treatment takes advantage of activating a photosensitizing drug
(such as 5-aminolevulinic acid) by shining light directly onto it for a short
time. The drug is first applied to the area of the skin where the cancer or
pre-cancer is found. With light-induced activation of the drug, the abnormal
cells (cancer or pre-cancer) are destroyed preferentially.
Sun-sensitizing Drugs (Photosensitivity) At A Glance
- Many common medications may cause a reaction in some individuals that is
similar to sunburn.
- Symptoms of sun sensitivity are similar to those of sunburn.
- The phototoxic reactions may happen within hours of exposure to sun.
- The photoallergic reactions may happen after several days of exposure to
sun.
- A thorough list of sun-sensitizing drugs is provided (see Appendix).
References:
1. Textbook of cutaneous medicine and surgery. Arndt, MD, et al, 1996
2. New England Journal of Medicine 2004;350:1111-1117. Photosensitivity by
Morrison, MD.
Next: Appendix - Sun Sensitive (Photosensitivity) Drugs from A to Z »
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