Some patients may experience redness, itching, heat, and even burning, blisters, and ulceration on the skin after taking certain medications and being exposed to sunlight. This condition, similar to sunburn, is called photosensitive drug eruption.
Common drugs that can cause photosensitive drug eruption include quinolone antibiotics, sulfonamide antibiotics, ibuprofen, hydrochlorothiazide, and chlorpromazine. After using these medications, exposure to a certain amount of sunlight can transform the normally harmless drugs into toxic substances that damage or kill skin cells, leading to photosensitive drug eruption.
Therefore, it is important to avoid sunlight after using these medications. When going outside, special attention should be paid to skin protection, such as using an umbrella and applying sunscreen. If photosensitive drug eruption occurs, the medication with phototoxic reactions should be immediately discontinued. Cold water can be applied to the affected area, and it is recommended to seek medical attention from a dermatologist.
