Island Sun Times

As a responsible tanning facility, you should have on hand and make available to your clients a list of medications, agents, foods and substances that may cause a photosensitive reaction when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation – whether from the sun or the tanning systems in your salon. The issue of photosensitivity should be included in your salon training program, and your staff should discuss it with your clients. Your tanner consent form should include the question, “Are you taking any medication?” If the tanner’s answer is “Yes,” your staff can present the list of medications that can cause a photosensitive reaction and ask the tanner to check it; rather than requesting they provide personal information, ask them to initial the consent form to confirm that they were shown the list.

An extensive yet partial list is provided on the following pages; if a tanner is taking a medication that is not on the list or they’re unsure whether it may cause photosensitivity, you should direct them to consult their physician or pharmacist.

What is Photosensitivity?
Photosensitivity is a skin reaction (i.e. rash) that occurs after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or an artificial light source such as a tanning bed. Many medications and topical products can cause photosensitivity or increase a person’s risk of developing sunburn. A photosensitive reaction can be characterized by an exaggerated sunburn-like redness, hives, or eczema-like rashes with itching, swelling, blistering and scaling of the skin. It can be caused by various agents including drugs, perfume, cosmetics, and even a sunscreen product that is meant to protect your skin. It is estimated that one in 100 people show some signs of photosensitivity.

The condition can occur even after brief exposure to sunlight in both warm and cold weather. Some people continue to be sensitive to sunlight for a long time after discontinuing use of the offending medication or lotion.

What is a drug-induced photosensitive reaction?
A drug-induced photosensitive reaction occurs when a person takes certain medications or applies, either intentionally or unintentionally, offending substances to the skin and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A photosensitive reaction should be considered in people experiencing sunburn of greater severity than would normally be expected for them, or who develop rashes in areas exposed to the sun or a tanning unit.

Drug-induced photosensitive reactions can occur in anyone, to widely varying degrees of severity. It most commonly appears as exaggerated sunburn. Those most at risk include people with fair complexions; red, blonde or light brown hair; blue or green eyes, and who generally sunburn easily and do not tan. A history of severe sunburn(s) may also increase the risk, as may a history of allergies, especially contact hypersensitivities to cosmetics or other topical agents.

Widely used medications containing photoreactive agents include antihistamines, which are used in cold and allergy medicines; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), used to control arthritis pain and inflammation; and antibiotics including tetracyclines, and sulfonamides or “sulfa” drugs.

Other photoreactive medications include but are not limited to water pills (diuretics) birth-control pills and some high-blood-pressure medications. FDA also has reported photoreactive agents have been found in deodorants, antibacterial soaps, artificial sweeteners, fluorescent brightening agents for cellulose, nylon and wool fibers, naphthalene (mothballs), petroleum products, and in cadmium sulfide, a chemical injected into the skin during tattooing.

Perfumes and colognes containing Furocoumarins, compounds from natural products such as plants and fruits, can sensitize the skin to sunlight. Common foods and fruits that contain photosensitizing agents are: celery, carrots, lime, coriander, parsley, fennel, dill, buttercup, mustard and fig.

The most common photosensitizing medications are listed on the following pages. Not all individuals who use or take these medications will experience a photosensitive reaction. Also, an individual who experiences a photosensitive reaction on one occasion will not necessarily experience it again or with every UV exposure. This is not a list of every material that could possibly have photosensitizing effects; again, if a tanner has a question about a drug or product, you should advise them to consult a physician or pharmacist.