Most people ‘have no idea’ that these 4 common medicines can increase their risk of skin cancer

You don’t want to go from the brrrr to burn.

Most of the SH.BA is getting the first taste of spring after an extremely brutal winter. But before you go out to dip in the sun, you may want to check your cabinet or medicine bag.

A dermatology specialist warns that certain medicines can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and increase the risk of skin cancer.

“Most people have no idea that their treatment can make them more sensitive to the sun,” Dr. Emily Alfonsi, Shade Skin Medical Director in Australia, told The Post.

“They may notice that they are burning faster or developing unusual rashes, but they do not immediately associate it with their medicines,” Alfonsi added.

Alfonsi said she is seeing that patients develop second -degree sunburn with redness, unexplained redness or dark pieces of skin, even in indirect sunlight.

Photosensitivity is the culprit – it is an exaggerated reaction to UV light. The body absorbs UV radiation, a drug that changes chemically in the skin and potentially lead to redness, bladder, swelling, peel, burning, itching or long hyperpigmentation.

“For people with photosensitizing medicines, a few minutes in the sun without protection can have severe consequences,” Alfonsi said.

It sheds light on four types of medicines that can cause photosensitivity and shares four tips to protect yourself if you are in these medicines. While the sun screen is effective, Alfonsi said, “It’s not a free password to stay in the sun all day.”

Antibiotics

Alfonsi said that tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, used for bacterial infections, can cause severe sunburn even after short UV exposure.

Doxycycline and minocyclin are tetracycline, while fluoroquinolones include Cyprus (brand name: Cyprus) and levofloxacin (levaquin).

Diuretics

Diuretics – also known as “water pills”, which help the body eliminate excess salt and water – treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Studies have caused a link between diuretics such as hydrochlorotiazide and an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer in the JSC

Immunosuppressant

Medications like Azathioprine, commonly used in patients with transplantation to prevent organs from rejection and reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, may weaken natural skin protection against UV damage.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAID like ibuprofen and naproxen (brand name: aleve) reduce pain, inflammation and fever.

Researchers say long -term use can cause sun sensitivity.

How to protect your skinEspecially if you are in a photosensitizing drug

“Prevention is essential,” Alfonsi said. “If you are taking a drug that increases sun sensitivity, some additional precautions may mean reducing your risk of long -term skin damage and skin cancer.”

• Apply the Sun screen that is SPF 30 or higher every day – even in winter.
• Protect yourself from the sun with UV blocking sunglasses, wide wide hats and other protective clothing.
• Avoid the peak hours of the sun, often from 10am to 4 in the afternoon
• Program the annual dermatologist visits and monitor your skin for unusual changes.