How can I avoid a photosensitivity reaction from medication?

Avoid known photosensitising drugs and chemicals before light-based treatments such as laser, IPL/BBL and LED light therapy. If you are taking these medications, be sun smart every day.

A drug-induced photosensitivity (DIP) reaction occurs when certain medications make the skin more sensitive to visible or ultraviolet (UV) radiation., causing a burn-like reaction or rash. The best way to reduce the risk is to avoid sun exposure if you’re taking a medication with a known photosensitivity reaction, or to discontinue or pause these medications if you are about to have a treatment that involves exposure to bright light.

What happens in a photosensitivity reaction?

The drug or its breakdown products in the absorbs visible or ultraviolet light. This triggers a chemical reaction, releasing energy that damages surrounding skin tissue. The reaction sometimes occurs immediately, and usually within 24 hours.

This reaction is the basis of photodynamic therapy, where a photosensitivity reaction is intentionally caused by combining a chemical with light.

What drugs can cause a photosensitivity reaction?

If you are about to have a light-based treatment such as laser, BBL/IPL or LED light therapy, you should discontinue or pause theses photosensitising medications:

• Antibiotics:
  • Fluoroquinolones, e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Orfloxacin.
  • Tetracyclines, e.g. Doxycycline, Minocycline.
  • Sulfonamides, e.g. Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim).
  • Nalidixic Acid.
  • Dapsone.
• Antifungals:
  • Griseofulvin.
  • Itraconazole.
  • Ketoconazole.
  • Voriconazole.
• Cardiovascular and diuretic agents:
  • Amiodarone (Cordarone).
  • Atorvastatin.
  • Diltiazem.
  • Furosemide/frusemide.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide.
  • Quinidine.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs:
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
    • Ibuprofen.
    • Naproxen.
    • piroxicam.
    • Celecoxib.
    • Diclofenac.
    • Ketoprofen.
    • Azapropazone.
    • Etofanamate.
• Other agents:
  • Isotretinoin (Roaccutaine).
  • Methotrexate.
  • Azathioprine.
  • Quinine.
  • BRAF inhibitors, e.g. vemurafenib.
  • Phenothiazines, e.g. chlorpromazine, promethazine.
  • St John’s wort.
  • Sulfonylureas, e.g. glibenclamide, glipizide.
• Topicals:
  • Fragrances.
  • Wound cleansers (eg, chlorhexidine, hexachlorophene).
  • Photodynamic therapy agents (e.g. aminolevulinic acid, methyl aminolevulinate).
  • Topical retinoids: tretinoin, retinol.
  • Anticancer drugs, e.g. fluorouracil.
  • Essential oils: lavender, citron, citrus, lime, sandalwood, bergamot.
  • Coal tar soaps and shampoos.

Certain medical conditions predispose to a photosensitivity reaction. If you have one of these conditions, it may not be appropriate for you to have a light-based treatment.

• Porphyria.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Albinism.