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Are the medications you are on increasing your risk for sunburn?

Here are some known culprits in creating sun sensitivity:

  • Antibiotics - (Tetracyclines - many teenagers are on this for acne, Quinolones and Sulfa Drugs - often used for bladder infections)
  • Diuretics - like the blood pressure medication, hydrochlorothyazide
  • Glyburide, a medicine for diabetes
  • Amiodarone, for treating heart conditions
  • Skin care products like alpha hydroxy acid, and retin-A. Also, people with eczema who use Pimecrolimus (aka Elidel) also have an increased risk.
  • Some NSAID pain killers like Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and ibuprofen, and the prescription drug Celebrex.

Whether or not you use these products, it's important that you are protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure.

Do your best to avoid getting burned:
  • Be sure to use sunscreen - and lots of it - with a minimun SPF 15. UV rays pass through water so it's necessary to apply the sunscreen even when you're swimming, and then again afterward. Apply liberally - a thin layer will not provide the protection you need.
  • Cover up - even though it's hot, covering up is a great way to shield yourself on sunny days. Hats, long sleeves, umbrellas and sunglasses all provide protective layers. In Asia and even in parts of Toronto, you'll find many oriental people using umbrellas. I don't know what fashionistas haveto say about this, but I guess it's effective.
  • Avoid peak hours outdoors - between 10am and 3pm the sun is at its strongest. Try to avoid direct exposure during those times. Save your gardening for the early morning or evening!
  • Please limit your use of tanning booths. You are unnecessarily damaging your skin.
If, despite your best efforts, you still get burned, try some of these methods for relief:
  • Cool baths, or cool compresses on the burned areas
  • Use a soothing lotion that contains aloe. Or if you have an aloe plant, break off a piece and rub the "juice" that comes out on your burnt skin. This is even more effective than lotions that "contain aloe."
  • NSAIDs like Advil, which decrease pain and inflammation can be used to relieve the pain of sunburns - just don't go back out in the sun as they increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
  • Of course, there are more natural methods of fending off and dealing with sunburns. Many studies have been done on lycopene (a flavonoid/antioxidant) that's found abundantly in cooked tomatoes and watermelon. Researchers have found in trials that those participants who ingested a diet high in lycopene had less sun damage than the control group who did not eat lycopene. My guess is that outcome would probably extend to a number of other antioxidants. And remember, the best way to increase your body's antioxidant load is through a diet high in fruits and veggies. Smoothies and juices are good too! And if your diet is lacking, then maybe I would consider some supplements tailored to your specific concerns.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Ian Koo ND

"The care you want, the health you need."

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