Your Health: Photosensitivity and sunburn
Do you love it outdoors and enjoy outdoor recreations? It is that time of year that we can go outside and enjoy the nice summer weather. While we all love the summer weather, we have also probably experienced sunburn or know someone that has. Sunburn can occur at any time of the year, but it is most common in the summer when the sun is most intense. For some people, sunburn can be minor and heals in a few days with or without treatment. For others, it can be so severe as to land them a trip to the emergency department.
What is photosensitivity: Photosensitivity is an increased sensitivity to light. It makes it easier for your skin to burn in response to light, especially sunlight. There are a lot of medications that can make you photosensitive. Examples of medications linked to photosensitivity are below.
Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim)
Diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, furosemide) Statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
Antihistamine (cetirizine, loratadine, diphenhydramine)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen, ibuprofen)
Sulfonylurea (glyburide, glipizide)
Isotretinoin
This does not mean that you should not take these medications but, you should take extra measures to reduce your risk of a sunburn.
How you can reduce your risk of sunburn: Limit exposure to sunlight between the hours of 10am to 4pm. Wear clothes that cover your skin such as long sleeves and long pants. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat that is wide enough to cover your head and neck. Apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun. The FDA recommends using a broadspectrum (covers ultraviolet A and B rays) sunscreen with SPF value of 30 or higher and reapplying it at least every 2 hours or as directed by the manufacturer.
Treating sunburn: Most sunburns can be treated with over the counter (OTC) medications. These medications include NSAID (e.g ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain relief, hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation, and aloe vera to soothe the skin. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid tanning in the sun or using tanning beds. Take cool baths. You can also try bathing with oatmeal or baking soda to soothe sore skin. When outside, wear clothing that cover your sunburn to avoid additional sunburn at that same site. Do not pop blisters and allow them to heal. If blisters cover over 20% of your body or your sunburn is not healing, see a provider.
Taking a few measures to reduce the risk of sunburn allows you to still enjoy the great outdoors and not miss fun summer activities.
Onyekachukwu Eyimegwu is a NDSU PharmD student working with Amy Noeske at CHI Mercy Health in Valley City. Your Health is coordinated by City-County Health District.