Medications and Sunshine May be a Painful Combination
Summer is almost here and vacation time and outdoor activities will be expanding. A "healthy" suntan looks good but if you take certain prescription and OTC medications, you may be at risk for a sunBURN instead.
Almost 60,000 people will get a diagnosis of melanoma this year. It's the most serious form of skin cancer and it can lead to death. Serious sunburn is the key risk for developing melanoma.
For starters, you need to use an ample amount of sunscreen -- enough to fill a shot glass. It needs to be applied 20 minutes before heading out of doors.
Even if you do all that, you may still get burned. The trouble could be that certain drugs can make your skin much more sun sensitive. Check this list from from Carol & Richard Eustice to see if YOU may have a problem this summer.
These drugs are associated with photosensitivity reactions:
Antibiotics
Doxycycline (Vibramycin and others)
Floxin
Minocycline
Tetracycline
Trimethoprim
Disease-Modifying Agents (to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus)
Dapsone
Gold
Hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil)
Methotrexate
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
NSAIDs
Piroxicam (Feldene)
Ibuprofen (less likely)
Naproxen and others
Antihypertensives
Captopril
Diltiazem
Methyldopa
Nifedipine
Hypoglycemics
Glipizide
Glyburide
Tolbutamide
Antidepressants
Amitriptyline
Desipramine
Doxepin
Imipramine
Nortriptyline
Trazodone
Antihistamines
Benadryl and others
Diuretics
Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Others
Oral contraceptives
Xanax
Remember, the sun is NOT your friend when it comes to your skin. Take the proper precautions and you'll have a wonderful summer!
