Sometimes, the medications you take don't mix well with the
sunlight. You may experience a sunburn, feel itchy, or develop blisters from
the sun if you take certain medications. Photosensitive medications put a
damper on getting the radiant glow you want. However, if you take any of the
following medications, you can still receive a sunless tan.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics cause a change in your skin that makes
your skin more sensitive to the sun, such as Bactrim, also known as
sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim. Doctors prescribe this medication for issues
like bladder infections and bronchitis.
Other possible antibiotics that can lead to photosensitivity
include:
- Levofloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Doxycycline
- Trimethoprim
- Ofloxacin
- Tetracycline
If you take these antibiotics, opt for a spray tan.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants, which your doctor may prescribe for
depression or anxiety, are another drug classification that can cause your skin
to overreact to the sun. Doctors have yet to identify why, though
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a
classification of antidepressants that can make you sensitive to the sun, and
they include the following:
- Fluoxetine
- Citalopram
- Sertraline
Other types of antidepressants that may also cause
photosensitivity include:
- Doxepin
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Dapoxetine
You should avoid laying out in the sun if you take these antidepressants,
but that doesn't mean you can't choose a sunless tan.
Treatments for Acne
The standard acne treatments you find in your drug store
that contain retinol can make your skin more likely to peel or become dry
because of sun exposure.
However, when you receive a prescription from a doctor for a
retinoid, such as isotretinoin, the phototoxic effects are even greater since
prescription medications have a higher concentration of retinol. In fact, if
you go out in the sun after you use one of the prescription acne medications,
you may end up with a severe sunburn.
Besides retinoids, you may experience photosensitivity from
acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as well.
Antipsychotics
In addition to antidepressants, antipsychotics are another
group of mood-altering medications that can cause you to have issues from the
sun.
This particular group of medications is known as neuroleptic
drugs and include medications like thioridazine, thiothixene, and
fluphenazine.
Drugs for Cholesterol
If you take a medication to lower your cholesterol, you may
also not be able to go out in the sun for prolonged periods because they cause
photosensitivity.
Examples of this classification of medication are as
follows:
- Atorvastatin
- Pravastatin
- Simvastatin
- Atorvastatin
Stay safe and avoid sun exposure if you're taking
medications for your cholesterol.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are known to cause a number of side
effects, and one of these effects is photosensitivity.
These are a few of the chemotherapy drugs that may prohibit
you from tanning safely:
- Doxorubicin
- Gemcitabine
- Methotrexate
- 5-FU
Sun exposure may be the last thing on your mind after
cancer, but you still need to stay safe.
Fentanyl and Clonidine Transdermal Patches
These drugs don't necessarily cause photosensitivity, but
you still need to watch your UV ray intake because these medications can have a
serious reaction with sun exposure. Fentanyl, a medication for pain, and
Clonidine, a medication to combat high blood pressure, are both transdermal
patches that release medication directly into your skin.
Whenever you experience a sunburn near the patch site, any
blood vessels located on the surface of your skin will dilate, which increases
the absorption of these medications.
Antihypertensives Medications
In addition, you shouldn't visit a tanning bed or go outside
if you take certain antihypertensive medications because these drugs can cause
photosensitivity. Examples include the following:
- Aldactazine
- Capozide
- Diltiazem
- Hydrochlorothiazide
These drugs are just some of the medications that can cause
a negative reaction when you go to a tanning bed or enjoy natural sunlight.
Therefore, you should always read about the potential side effects of a drug
before you go tanning. Moreover, you should never skip your medicine to tan,
especially when you can get a bronze glow without the sun or a tanning
bed.
Contact Golden State
Tanning Studio, serving Long Beach, CA, and the surrounding area, to
schedule an appointment for a sunless tan.
