There is nothing quite like a warm summer day, the sun on your face, a gentle breeze, the scent of freshly cut grass. It is what we wait for all year.
But here is something many seniors do not know some of the most common medications taken by older adults can turn a pleasant day in the sun into a painful, damaging experience.
It is called photosensitivity , a negative reaction of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays. In plain language, certain drugs make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight. A few minutes in the garden, a short walk to the mailbox, or an afternoon on the patio can result in a severe sunburn, an itchy rash, or even blisters.
And here is the part that should get your attention: a recent study found that more than one-fifth of all drugs used by seniors have the potential to cause photosensitivity reactions. Many seniors are taking three to five such medications at the same time.
If you are one of them, you need to know which medications are the culprits, and you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before heading outdoors.
The Top Five Medications That Don't Mix With Sun
1. Diuretics ("Water
Pills")
Diuretics
like hydrochlorothiazide
and furosemide
are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure. They are among
the most frequently cited photosensitizers. A study of older adults found that hydrochlorothiazide
was one of the drugs most commonly associated with photosensitivity reactions.
What
to watch for: If you take a diuretic and spend time in the sun, you
may notice a rash or sunburn-like reaction on exposed skin, sometimes even after
brief exposure.
2. Antibiotics (Especially
Tetracyclines and Quinolones)
Certain
antibiotics are notorious for causing sun sensitivity. Doxycycline
(a tetracycline) and ciprofloxacin (a quinolone) are among the most common
offenders. These medications can make your skin sunburn much more quickly than usual.
What
to watch for: Even a short time in the sun can cause a severe, painful
sunburn. The reaction can happen within hours of exposure.
3. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Over-the-counter
pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen
(Aleve), as well as prescription-strength NSAIDs like ketoprofen,
can increase sun sensitivity. In fact, one study found that ketoprofen caused
the highest number of photosensitivity reactions of any drug.
What
to watch for: These drugs can cause both phototoxic reactions (like
a severe sunburn) and photoallergic reactions (an itchy, rash-like response).
4. Cholesterol-Lowering
Statins
Statins
like atorvastatin
(Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are among the most widely prescribed
medications in Canada. Both have been linked to photosensitivity reactions. A study
of older adults found that atorvastatin and simvastatin were associated with cutaneous
adverse reactions to sunlight.
What
to watch for: If you take a statin and notice unusual redness, itching,
or a rash after being in the sun, your medication may be the cause.
5. Diabetes Medications
(Sulfonylureas)
Medications
for type 2 diabetes, such as glipizide and glyburide,
can also increase sun sensitivity. These drugs are commonly prescribed to seniors
and are often overlooked as a cause of sun-related skin reactions.
What to watch for: A sunburn or rash that seems out of proportion to your sun exposure could be related to your diabetes medication.
Why Seniors Are Especially at Risk
Older adults are more vulnerable to drug-induced photosensitivity for several reasons. Many of us take multiple medications, increasing the chance that one or more of them is a photosensitizer. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making it more susceptible to damage. And, perhaps most importantly, many of us simply do not know that their medications put them at risk
