It is estimated that one in 100 people are affected by photosensitivity.
The condition can occur even after brief exposure to sunlight in both warm and cold weather.
Photosensitizing agents can be topical medications or medications that are taken orally.
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Some people continue to be sensitive to sunlight long after discontinuation of the offending medication or lotion.
Phototoxic Reactions
There are two main types of sun-sensitizing drug reactions: phototoxic and photoallergic.
Phototoxic reactions account for 95% of all cases of photosensitivityoccurring as a result of ingestion of certain drugs.
The reaction is often immediate.
Symptoms include severe redness on the areas of skin exposed to light, akin to an exaggeratedsunburnwith severe tenderness.
These symptoms usually resolve within 2 to 7 days of withdrawing from the drug therapy.
Topical ointments are applied directly to the skin.
Take extra precautions to shield yourself from the sun.
2016;144(6):803-806.doi:10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_626_16
