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Calendar summer is only a few days away, but real summer weather is already outside. Holidays and vacations are getting closer. However, hot weather does not release you from the need to take certain medications. We must then be double-minded, because many medications react with the sun, even the most popular painkillers bought without a prescription. What should we be careful about?
- In summer, we should avoid overexposure to the sun – this is obvious
- We should be even more careful when taking certain medications. The number of drugs that can – in combination with the sun – cause phototoxic or photoallergic reactions is very long
- Below is a list of such measures, but there is no substitute for a thorough reading of the leaflet or even better – a consultation with a doctor
- A visit to the doctor will also be necessary when we notice disturbing symptoms on the skin
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage.
The sun and medications. How can our skin react?
Phototoxic reactions
The phototoxic reaction is the combined effect of solar radiation and substances that increase the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays. These substances can be contained in medicines, supplements, herbs, but also in some foods.
The phototoxic reaction appears shortly after exposure to the sun on the exposed part of the skin and may be mistaken for sunburn as the symptoms are similar. It may be redness, erythema, swelling, sometimes blisters appear.
The phototoxic reaction is not permanent and usually disappears after discontinuation of the drug.
Photoallergic reactions
The photoallergic reaction appears much later than in the case of the phototoxic reaction. Skin changes begin to become visible a day or two after sun exposure. The reaction may appear in places previously exposed to solar radiation, but also in those covered.
- GIS: Avoid sun exposure in hot weather
Allergic changes are in the form of itching and lumps filled with plasma. They can be caused not only by drugs or supplements, but also cosmetics or creams (including sunscreen) containing allergenic substances.
Drugs and the sun. What medications can react with the sun’s rays?
The list of drugs that can make the skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet rays is long. It includes:
- sulfonamides and antiseptics based on salicylic acid
- antibiotics especially quinolones and doxycycline
- antifungal antibioticslike griseofulvin
- diuretics, like furosemide
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen and piroxicam
- psoriasis, anti-dandruff and anti-acne medications, containing tar
- antiviral drugssuch as zidovudine
- cardiological drugslike amiodarone
- anti-rheumatic drugs, like diclofenac
- drugs to lower cholesterol
- anti-tuberculosis drugscontaining isoniazid
- hormonal drugs, used as contraceptives and during hormone replacement therapy
- diabetes medications, jak karbutamid, tolbutamid, chlorpropamid, diabetol
- psychiatric and antipsychotic drugs, like phenothiazines
- dehydrating drugs, such as chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide
- antihistamines containing diphenhydramine
- sedatives, like chlordiazepoxide
- oils and ointments containing St. John’s wort, angelica, chamomile, bergamot or calendula.
Read also: Allergy to the sun
It is worth reading the leaflet of the drug or supplement that you take to learn about any warnings about exposure to the sun. An analysis of the composition of the measures taken may also allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises during the summer vacation.
How to store drugs in the summer?
The most important – let’s read the labels of drugs or supplements. There we will find information about their storage. Most medications tolerate temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius well. Some, however, such as insulin, antibiotics, tranquilizers and contraceptives must be kept refrigerated (2-8 degrees), i.e. in a refrigerator.
- Drugs in hot weather may work differently
When we go on vacation, we should take care of the proper handling of medicines. First of all, do not expose them to the sun and other sources of high temperatures, or expose them to frequent temperature changes. A handy fridge or at least an insulating bag or a solid cosmetic bag will be useful.
In addition to the cold, drugs also like it dry. Humidity should not exceed 65 percent. Thus, a bathroom, even dark and cold in summer, will not be a good place due to high humidity.