When medications make you sensitive to sunlight
Sunlight can cause a reaction when a person is taking certain prescription drugs, such as some diuretics, antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-arrhythmics, antiseizure medicines, and antidepressants. These medications, known as photosensitizers, can make the skin especially sensitive to the sun’s radiation. Exposure to that radiation can cause overly reddened “sunburned” skin, hives, swelling, and itchy, scaly skin. When taking these mediations, it’s best to limit the amount of time spent out in the sun and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
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