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

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

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

Much of the US is getting its

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after an unusually

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. But before you head outside to soak in the sunshine, you may want to check your medicine cabinet or purse.

A dermatology specialist warns that certain medications can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and raise the risk of

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Before you enjoy the spring-like weather, check your medicine cabinet. A dermatology specialist warns that certain meds can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and raise the risk of skin *******. Getty Images

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Dr. Emily Alfonsi, medical director of Shade Skin in Australia, sheds light on four types of medications that can cause photosensitivity and shares four tips to protect yourself if you’re on these drugs. Shade Skin

“Most people have no idea that their medication could be making them more sensitive to the sun,” Dr. Emily Alfonsi, medical director of

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in Australia, told The Post.

“They might notice they’re burning faster or developing unusual rashes, but they don’t immediately connect it to their medication,” Alfonsi added.

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Alfonsi’s patients have had second-degree sunburns with blistering, unexplained rashes or dark patches of skin due to sunlight exposure. Getty Images

Alfonsi said she’s seen patients develop second-degree sunburns with blistering, unexplained rashes or dark patches of skin, even in indirect sunlight.

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— it’s an exaggerated reaction to UV light. The body absorbs UV radiation, chemically changing medicine in the skin and potentially leading to rashes, blisters, swelling, peeling, burning, itching or long-lasting hyperpigmentation.

“For people on photosensitizing medications, a few minutes in the sun without protection can have serious consequences,” Alfonsi said.

She sheds light on four types of medications that can cause photosensitivity and shares four tips to protect yourself if you’re on these drugs.

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, Alfonsi said, “it’s not a free pass to stay in the sun all day.”

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The body absorbs UV radiation, chemically changing medicine in the skin and potentially leading to skin issues. Getty Images

Antibiotics

Alfonsi said tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, used for

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, can cause severe sunburns even after brief UV exposure.

Doxycycline and minocycline are tetracyclines, while fluoroquinolones include

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(brand name: Cipro) 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.

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a link between diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, the

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.

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Researchers suggest long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can cause sun sensitivity. Getty Images

Immunosuppressants

Medications like azathioprine, commonly used in transplant patients to prevent organ rejection and to reduce

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symptoms, can weaken the skin’s natural defenses against UV damage.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen (brand name: Aleve) reduce pain, inflammation and fever.

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long-term use can cause sun sensitivity.

How to protect your skin, especially if you’re on a photosensitizing medication

“Prevention is key,” Alfonsi said. “If you’re taking a medication that increases sun sensitivity, a few extra precautions can significantly reduce your risk of long-term skin damage and skin *******.”

Apply sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher every day — even in the winter.

Avoid peak sun hours, often 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Schedule annual dermatologist visits, and monitor your skin for unusual changes.

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#people #idea #common #medications #increase #risk #skin #*******

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