Burning Medication
Did you know that some medications can increase the chance you will have a reaction to the sun? These medications can cause reactions such as a rash that can develop anywhere on the body or even severe blisters and burns on exposed skin. According to the National Core Indicators-2016, 45% of people surveyed with an intellectual disability in Pennsylvania take a medication to treat mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Many of these medications can cause sun sensitivity. Other types of drugs that can increase the risk of developing a sun complication are:
- Diabetic Medications
- Allergy Medications
- Blood Pressure Medications
- High Cholesterol Medications
This list does not include all medications that may cause sun reactions. Speak with the Doctor or Pharmacist or review the drug information from the pharmacy to find out if the medications you are giving, or even the ones you may be taking could increase the risk of a skin complication.
There are several things that you can do to decrease the possibility of a medication reaction from the sun. Limit going outside when the sun is at its strongest late morning to midafternoon and don’t stay in the sun too long. Choose clothing that is light in color with long sleeves and long pants or skirts and wear a wide brimmed hat. There are even some clothing companies that offer clothes with ultra violet ray protection built in such as Columbia or L.L. Bean. Get into the habit of applying sunscreen daily and not just in the summer months as sunburns can happen during the winter too. During flip-flop season remember the tops of the feet need sunscreen as well as the top of the head if there is little hair to provide protection.
If the skin already has a burn or a rash contact the physician. He or she may want to see it to ensure that it is not severe. They also may want to the order pain medication or lotions with aloe vera or hydrocortisone. The physician may also order cool compresses to the affected area or increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Any sunburn can be painful and effect the quality of a person’s life temporarily, but sunburns can also be a leading cause of developing skin cancer. Taking a few extra moments before you leave the house to prepare yourself and those you support for sun exposure may ultimately save a life.
Resources:
The American Academy of Dermatology – www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/treating-sunburn
WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/sun-sensitizing-drugs
Harvard Health Publishing – https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/sun-allergy-photosensitivity-a-to-z
National Core Indicators – https://www.nationalcoreindicators.org/upload/core-indicators/PA_State_Report_2016–FINAL.pdf
