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Protect yourself against the sun |
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Written by Dr. Paul Collins, MCT
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Sunday, 27 May 2007 |
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The sun is up and out earlier and stronger. Most people know to use sunscreen and wear clothes and sunglasses to prevent getting burned, but sometimes even taking the proper precautions isn't all of the protection you need.
If you get burned even after wearing sunscreen and clothing, it might be some medication you're taking. Doctors have learned that several medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun and sunburns. If you are taking one of these groups, or using some of the herbal preparations that make your skin more susceptible to the sun, then you need to keep this in mind. It appears that some medications and chemicals can impair the body's ability to respond and protect itself naturally from the damaging effects of the sun to the point that your usual sunscreen plan might fail.
Here is a list of some of the common medications and treatments that can reduce your resistance to the damaging effects of the sun. If you are unsure about the medications you take and use, ask your doctor or pharmacist about them. Drug names are often not related to the basic compound they carry, so you have to get to the source.
— Antibiotics: If you are taking an antibiotic you should consider yourself more sun-sensitive. Tetracycline medications such as Vibramycin or Sumycin are used to fight some bacterial infections. Quinolone medications like Cipro and sulfa medications like Bactrim are commonly used and have been shown to increase sun sensitivity.
— Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a common "water pill" used for high blood pressure treatment. It can cause you to get a sunburn much more easily.
Many high blood pressure medications are combination drugs that might contain a newer drug and HCTZ so you need to ask your pharmacist.
This is not to say you should stop your blood pressure drugs in the summer. You just need to pay more attention to getting that sunscreen on properly.
— Skin care products: Many medications and applications for skin problems also increase your sensitivity to the sun. Retin-A, microdermabrasion products and alpha hydroxyl acids are examples, and there are many others. The product pamphlets should contain that information.
— Heart medications: Amiodarone, the brand name of which is Cordarone, is used to treat heart rhythm abnormalities and increases sun sensitivity.
— Diabetes: The disease itself can increase your sensitivity to the sun, as can some of the medications used to control blood sugar. Glipizide, Amaryl and Glyburide are examples of these types of mediations. It is essential that you stay on them, but know they will make you more sensitive to the sun.
— NSAIDS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also can make you more sun-sensitive. Common across-the-counter drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin and prescription drugs like Celebrex have a side effect of increasing your sun reaction.
— Herbal ingredients: Balsam of Peru and St. John's Wort have been shown to increase sunburn sensitivity, so look closely at the ingredients of any herbal treatments you might use. If you are getting increased sunburns and using any herbal treatments, consider increased sun sensitivity.
Several medical conditions also can increase your sun sensitivity and most of these involve the immune system. If you do have a medical condition and are increasingly sensitive to the sun, ask your physician about it.
Here are some examples of diseases that can increase your sun sensitivity:
— Rheumatoid arthritis.
— Systemic lupus erythematosis.
— Porphyria.
If you are finding that the sun seems to be getting more intense, look at what your medications and treatments are. They may be setting you up for a sunburn.
If you are on a medication or using a treatment that is on the list of sun-sensitive medications, ask your doctor if there is another option.
Regardless, use sun protection to help prevent sun damage.
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Paul Collins, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at Orthopedic Health Care. | Only registered users can write comments.
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