Dr. Dray discusses medications that can make your skin dramatically more sensitive to the sun, including antibiotics, NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and certain blood pressure medications. In this video, she explains how drug induced photosensitivity happens, why UVA protection is so important, and how some prescriptions may increase your risk of severe sunburns, rashes, melasma, and long term UV damage.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:00 The hidden danger in your medicine cabinet
2:37 How drug induced photosensitivity happens
3:25 Antibiotics and rapid UV reactions
4:22 NSAIDs and sun sensitivity
6:30 Hormonal medications and melasma triggers
7:22 Cardiovascular medications and long term sun sensitivity
8:24 SPF strategy and UVA protection
10:26 Other medications that can cause photosensitivity
11:34 Practical tips if you react to the sun
13:01 Key takeaways
13:52 Final thoughts
14:21 Outro
Topics discussed in this video:
• Drug induced photosensitivity
• Phototoxic reactions
• UVA damage and oxidative stress
• Doxycycline sun sensitivity
• Ciprofloxacin and sunburn risk
• NSAID photosensitivity
• Birth control and melasma
• Blood pressure medications and skin cancer risk
• UVA protection strategies
• Iron oxides and visible light protection
• Broad spectrum sunscreen
• Photosensitive medications
Dr. Dray emphasizes that sunscreen alone may not be enough if you are taking medications that increase UV sensitivity. Protective clothing, shade, reapplication, and awareness of medication side effects are all important parts of photoprotection.
DISCLAIMER
This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications, side effects, and treatment decisions.
#photosensitivity #sunburn #melasma #doxycycline #sunscreen #skincare #dermatologist #DrDray
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Hi guys 👋
A lot of people do not realize that certain prescription medications can dramatically increase sun sensitivity and make you much more prone to severe sunburns, rashes, blistering, and even long-term UV damage.
In today’s video I’m discussing:
☀ Antibiotics like doxycycline
☀ NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen
☀ Hormonal medications and melasma
☀ Blood pressure medications and photosensitivity
☀ Why UVA protection matters so much
If you notice burning, redness, or rash after even small amounts of sun exposure, your medications may be part of the picture.
Please remember:
🧴 Broad spectrum sunscreen
🕶 Protective clothing
⏰ Reapplication
🌳 Seeking shade
And always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before stopping any prescription medication.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever experienced medication-related sun sensitivity ☀
Happy Friday Dr Dray so excited to be here have a nice day ❤
Happy Friday!
Greetings Dr Dray hope u r well n Yesss this is Vid is Gonna b so Informative🧴🔥n Happy Friday😀n Thanks👍!!!….
Happy Friday!
ILY
Would a rate my skin care routine series sound fun?
A long time ago, the weekend of my 21st birthday I ended up in the ER with a kidney infection. No partying for me, just a strong dose tetracycline prescription. Then Monday I started a week renewing my life guard certification. I was a glowing, bright red blistering human by sunset. At the time it was called sun poisoning. I continued to finish recertification, completely covered but anything touching my skin hurt for days. After that I checked every medication for side effects. Now at 58 I cross check drug combinations in case doctors don’t before prescribing. I also find it helpful to ask my pharmacist if I have questions.
Melasma in pregnancy was shocking to me. I got a huge patch across my forehead. I had 4 kids. It took forever to go away, but it did. I always use sunscreen and wear long sleeves and hats. I’m glow in the dark white and have nice skin for my age. Thank you for keeping us informed and healthy❤
What sunscreen do you use for the face
@jam@jamievogel9025
I’ve used quite a few over the years. My favorite for the last three years is made by Bubble. It’s $19 at Target. I’ve gotten it on sale at other stores. It’s in a green box, in a pump tube. It’s 40 SPF and it’s tinted. No white caste and it’s a pretty good alternative to makeup for my skin tone.
Happy Friday! Thanks for another great video with lots of great information!❤
Thank you! You too!
@DrDrayzday❤
Great topic going into summer. I’m taking a doxycycline dose right now for a roseasa flare up. Ironically, it’s suppose to help, but it’s also making me more sensitive to the sun. Trying to make sure I take precautions.
I started Crestor and by the weekend I suffered 2nd degree burns on my face and ears. I was in the sun less than 2 hrs. The pharmacy didn’t tell me about this and I didn’t bother to read the directions. I read everything now. Please heed Dr Drays warning.
Somehow i missed this info about NSAIDS. I’ve always burned fast and take precautions but will try to be more mindful if I’ve had ibuprofen. I’ll have to look into how long the effect lasts. Thanks for the info!
Ibuprofen!😮. I don’t take it daily but it’s my go to for headaches or pain. Maybe 1 time a week.
Great reminder as the sunny days and UV exposure increases.
I’m familiar with this. Anti-depressants, ibuprofen, psychotic meds, high blood pressure meds, etc.
HRT has given me large melasma patches on my neck. Thanks for solving that mystery Dr D
The worst sunburn I ever had was after a dose of antibiotics. A week after I had finished!!! In the early 90’s I was at the beach with family and laying out by the pool at the hotel. Literally 5 minutes after beginning, I felt like I was burning. I turned over and within 5 more minutes, I felt like I was burning again. Yep. Severe sun poisoning!!! The pill bottle told me to avoid sun WHILE TAKING. Not up to two weeks later.
Retin A should always be used with sunscreen!
I was literally thinking about this. I’m on a couple different medications that make me sensitive to the sun and I wanted more information on it. Thank you for the video!
Great video thank you. I’m sure plaquenil for lupus is on that list too
no, plaquenil helps the photosensitivity of lupus
Learning NSAIDs do this was a surprise to me. Thanks Dr Dray!
I thought it was only ketoprofen (and that’s prescription only here anyway). But then again, I always wear SPF50+ with UVA protection by EU standards.