Medis Pharmacy

Medications and the sun

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”4.23″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|#ffffff 50%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end_position=”50%” background_enable_image=”off” background_position=”center_left” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#393939″ header_font_size=”44px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”44px” header_font_size_phone=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

MEDICATIONS AND THE SUN

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Drug-Induced Photosensitivity: Causes, Types, and Prevention

Exposure to certain drugs, cosmetics, sunscreens, and even plants, in combination with ultraviolet (UV) rays, can lead to an abnormal skin reaction known as drug-induced photosensitivity. This reaction affects people of all ages and ethnicities and is primarily triggered by UVA rays rather than UVB rays responsible for sunburns. Tanning beds, emitting 95% UVA rays, can also induce such reactions.

There are two main types of photosensitivity reactions:

1. Phototoxic Reaction:

  • UV rays activate photosensitizing drugs, causing direct damage to exposed skin.
  • Results in a painful, exaggerated sunburn reaction, occurring within minutes to hours.
  • Severity depends on drug concentration and UV exposure intensity.
  • In severe cases, vesicles and bullae may develop.

2. Photoallergic Reaction:

  • An immune response occurs when UV light alters the drug’s structure.
  • Delayed reaction, manifesting as eczema or urticaria 24 to 72 hours post UV exposure.
  • Often accompanied by itching and can spread to non-exposed areas.
  • Requires a minimal amount of medication to trigger a reaction.
  • Mainly caused by topically applied products on the skin rather than oral or injected products.

Treatment and Prevention:

  • Prevention is crucial for protection against photosensitivity reactions.
  • Avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Refrain from using tanning beds as they emit artificial UV rays.
  • Wear anti-UV sunglasses, protective clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum UVA protection.
  • Choose products with the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) logo.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if a skin reaction occurs due to medication.
  • When starting a new treatment, inquire about potential photosensitizing effects and preventive measures.

Prevention measures go beyond sunscreen, emphasizing the importance of protective clothing and minimizing UV exposure.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]