Key takeaways
- Doxycycline, a common antibiotic, increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making you more prone to sunburn even with short exposure.
- To protect yourself while taking doxycycline, minimize sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and consistently use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Sun sensitivity can persist for up to two weeks after you stop taking doxycycline, so it’s essential to continue sun protection measures during this period. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any sunburn or rash.
Overview
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that doctors use to treat various bacterial infections, such as respiratory infections, acne, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It’s a generic medication that’s also available under brand names like Vibramycin, Acticlate, and Doryx in the United States. Doxycycline comes in different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- capsules
- liquid suspensions
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Can I be in the sun while on doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, and this type of antibiotic is known to cause sun sensitivity. Sun sensitivity, also called photosensitivity, is a common side effect of doxycycline that causes your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.
This means that you could get sunburned more easily than usual, and this could happen as a result of spending just a short amount of time in the sun. Photosensitivity can cause more severe sunburns than usual as well. You may also feel your skin tingling and develop a rash or blisters after being in the sun.
When you’re taking doxycycline, it’s important to minimize the amount of time you spend in the sun. You should also try to avoid exposing your skin to other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light, such as tanning beds. This will help you avoid potentially severe sunburns and sun rashes.
If you need to be outside in the sunlight while on doxycycline, it’s important to take precautions to protect your skin. Try to stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible. This is the time of day when the sun is strongest.
If you must be in the sun, wear protective clothing. The following may help protect your skin from sun damage:
- long sleeve shirts
- pants
- wide-brimmed hats
- sunglasses
It’s also important to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. People with light skin may want to use a higher number, like SPF 50. It can be helpful to apply sun protection to your lips as well. Some people may use an umbrella in addition to protective clothing and sunscreen for even more protection.
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Get free cardWhen can I go in the sun again after taking doxycycline?
Sun sensitivity can last throughout the duration of your treatment with doxycycline, and for up to 14 days after you stop taking the drug. Because of this, it’s important to continue using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing even after your treatment has ended.
How do you treat sun rash from doxycycline?
If you do get a sunburn or sun rash from doxycycline, let your doctor know. It’s also important that you treat the burn or rash properly.
For a sunburn, you can apply a cool compress and use aloe vera gel on your skin to help relieve irritation. It can also be helpful to drink extra water so you don’t get dehydrated.
If you have a severe sunburn, tell your doctor right away. Symptoms of a severe sunburn may include fever, chills, blistering, peeling, or weeping skin.
Symptoms of a sun rash from doxycycline may include a red or discolored itchy rash on the skin and blisters that may also itch. For sun sensitivity reactions like these, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream, like hydrocortisone cream, to help relieve your symptoms and treat the inflammation.
Summary
Sun sensitivity is a common side effect of doxycycline. You should avoid or limit your exposure to sunlight or UV light while taking this antibiotic. If you must be in the sun, be sure to use proper sun protection, such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses.
Sun sensitivity can last for up to 2 weeks after stopping doxycycline. So it’s important to continue using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing even after your treatment has ended.
If you do get a sunburn or a sun rash, let your doctor know. They’ll recommend the most useful steps to treat it and help relieve your symptoms.
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