What to know about antibiotics and sun exposure

Key takeaways

• Certain antibiotics can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, leading to reactions like rashes, discoloration, or a higher risk of skin cancer.
• When taking medications that cause photosensitivity, protect yourself by using sunscreen, limiting sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing.
• Besides antibiotics, other medications like antidepressants, acne treatments, and even some pain relievers can also make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

Antibiotics, when used appropriately, can effectively treat bacterial infections. But their overuse can cause antibiotic resistance and side effects. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for a short time.

While sun exposure is important for producing vitamin D and overall well-being, too much exposure without proper protection may lead to skin reactions. Certain antibiotics may heighten this effect. This can especially concern people already prone to skin conditions, such as eczema, or with a history of sunburns or skin cancer.

When you start taking a course of antibiotics, a doctor will likely recommend limiting direct sun exposure. Once you’ve finished your course, you should be able to return to the sun with the proper protection.

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Antibiotics and sun exposure

When combined with certain antibiotics, sun exposure can raise your risk of adverse reactions and skin-related problems. These risks may include:

• Photosensitivity reactions: According to a 2021 review, tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline (Adoxa), can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This increased sensitivity can result in sunburn-like reactions, rashes, and discoloration. These reactions can occur when the photosensitizing substance — the antibiotic in this case — absorbs light energy.
• Skin discoloration: Certain antibiotics, such as trimethoprim (Proloprim), can increase the risk of skin discoloration upon sun exposure. This, in turn, leads to photosensitive dermatitis and the development of brown or red patches on the skin.
• Increased risk of skin cancer: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds may raise your risk of skin cancer. Some antibiotics may further reduce your body’s ability to repair UV-induced DNA damage, raising the risk of skin cancer over time.

This effect may last for at least as long as you’re taking the antibiotic. It may last longer in some cases. Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you need more information on the possible interactions between sun exposure and antibiotics. 

What antibiotics can cause photosensitivity? 

Several antibiotics can increase the chance of photosensitivity reactions, leading to skin problems when exposed to sunlight. Common examples include:

• Doxycycline (Vibramycin): Doxycycline (Vibramycin) is a widely prescribed antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class of medications. The medication can cause photosensitivity reactions, making the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro): Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Doctors prescribe it to to treat various bacterial infections. It can lead to photosensitivity, raising the risk of sunburn and skin reactions.
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin): Another fluoroquinolone antibiotic, levofloxacin (Levaquin), can cause photosensitivity when exposed to UV radiation.
• Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim): Doctors often prescribe sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim), a combination antibiotic, for urinary tract and respiratory infections. But the drug can increase the risk of skin reactions when combined with sun exposure.
• Minocycline (Minocin): Minocycline (Minocin) is another tetracycline antibiotic that can lead to photosensitivity reactions. Doctors prescribe it treat various bacterial infections, including acne.
• Tetracycline (Sumycin): Tetracycline antibiotics, including the generic tetracycline itself, can cause phototoxic reactions.

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What other medications can cause photosensitivity? 

In addition to antibiotics, several other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can increase the risk of photosensitivity reactions when exposed to sunlight, including:

• Doxepin (Sinequan): Doxepin (Sinequan) is a tricyclic antidepressant sometimes used to treat insomnia. It can cause photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to UV damage.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a prescription medication for severe acne. It can lead to extreme photosensitivity. So people taking the drug are often advised to avoid too much sun exposure.
• Thiazide diuretics: Doctors often prescribe thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) for hypertension. This medication can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, leading to sunburns.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), can lead to photosensitivity, causing skin reactions when exposed to UV light.
• Retinoids: Retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A) that are used for various dermatological conditions, including acne, can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. It’s important to use the medication with caution in sunny conditions.
• Antifungal medications: Certain antifungal medications, like terbinafine (Lamisil), can cause photosensitivity reactions in some people.

If your doctor prescribes you any of these medications, or if you plan to use OTC products, it’s a good idea to seek advice on lowering your risk of skin reactions from sun exposure. 

How can you protect yourself from the sun while taking antibiotics?

Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is important when taking antibiotics that can increase the risk of photosensitivity reactions. Some measures you can take to reduce the risk include:

• Applying sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all skin areas exposed to the sun, such as your face, arms, and legs. Reapply the sunscreen after every 2 hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
• Limiting sun exposure: Try to minimize your time spent in the sun, especially during the initial days of starting the antibiotic treatment, when the chance of photosensitivity may be higher.
• Checking medication labels: Read the medication label or package insert to see if photosensitivity is listed as a side effect. If it is, follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions.
• Wearing protective clothing: Cover your skin with clothing that offers protection from UV radiation, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

However, these measures are general recommendations and may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your medical history and the specific antibiotic you’re taking.

If you have a photosensitivity reaction, it’s best to speak with a doctor. They may recommend an alternative medication or give you a topical or oral treatment for the reaction. Skin discoloration may ease over time, but some may be permanent.

Online care to receive antibiotics

Regardless of potential side effects, if you have a bacterial infection, it’s essential to receive antibiotics to treat your condition. Being in contact with a doctor is important to manage any sun sensitivity and to receive advice about the possible side effects.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Understanding the potential risks of sun exposure while taking certain antibiotics is important for your well-being. You can reduce the risk of photosensitivity reactions by taking appropriate precautions, like applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing.

Consider talking with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, if you need more information on the potential interactions between specific antibiotics and sun exposure. 

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