Beware Sunburn Boosters Can Cause Photosensitivity
Sunburn boosters are medicines and skin care products that can cause photosensitivity, that is, make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Not only does this increase the risk of our getting a severe sunburn it can also cause our skin to age prematurely, which in turn causes wrinkles and brown spots. Most of us are aware of the dangers of
ultra violet rays
and the damage they can do to the skin. We faithfully slather on the sunscreens and gels as instructed. Nobody wants to get
skin cancer
, but there is another important step we should take before we ever leave the house. That step is looking in our medicine cabinet to check to see what prescription drugs we may be taking. While there, take the time to take a look at any skin care products we may be using. A list of some these products to look for are: Diuretics
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic, or water pill, used to treat high blood pressure.
- Combination drugs which contain HCTZ, include Maxide, Dyazide, Hyzaar, and Zestoretic.
Antibiotics.- Tetracycline drugs, which include Sumycin, Tetracyn, and Vibramycin, are used to treat bacterial infections.
- Quinolone drugs like Cipro and sulfa drugs, such as Bactrim, also heighten sun sensitivity. Cipro and Bactrim are antibiotics often used for urinary tract infections.
Heart Medications- Amiodarone, marketed under the brand name Cordarone, is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Diabetes Medications- Glipizide, sold also under the brand name Glucotrol, is an oral medication for type 2 diabetes. Other related drugs include Amaryl and glyburide.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain drugs). NSAIDs include over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and the prescription drug Celebrex.
Herbal Remedies - products containing St. John's wort
Perfumes- Balsam of Peru used in perfumed products and aftershave lotions.
Exfoliating Skin Care Products- Products that are used to minimize wrinkles such as Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid, and microdermabrasion.
Sunscreens- some sunscreens have been known to increase sensitivity to the sun.
Foods- contact with a lime peel can boost the intensity of a sunburn.
Two important things to remember when protecting ourself from sunburn boosters: - The effects of some drugs may stay in our system even after we have stopped taking them. It is estimated that some drugs may stay in our system for up to five days after the last dose.
- We could very easily get a severe sunburn without going outside. When we visit tanning salons we should remember tanning booths emit UVA rays, These rays can interact with some of the medications we may be on.
People with fair skin know about sunburn pain. They very likely have suffered from bad sunburns often in their life. They know the risk for sun damage and that it may lead to skin cancer.This sensitivity to the sun, or photosensitivity, can also occur in anyone using sunburn booster products. That is why it is so important to be aware of the danger of these products and take protective steps. Make sure to ask your pharmacist about any drugs you are taking and see if they are sunburn boosters.
Click here for More Information on Sunburns and Exit Sunburn Boosters
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