Some medications can increase sun sensitivity
Sun sensitivity, sometimes referred to as a sun allergy, is an immune system reaction that is triggered by sunlight. Sun sensitivity reactions include solar urticaria, chemical photosensitization, and polymorphous light eruption and are usually characterized by an itchy eruption on patches of sun-exposed skin.
Most of us don't know it, but some medications - oral or topical - can increase sun sensitivity and put our skin at greater risk when exposed to the sun. Who knew that Ibuprofen or St John's Wort, an OTC herbal medication meant to treat sleep disorders or anxiety, were part of that list ? You can consult the full list on the Skin Cancer Foundation website.
If you have any doubt or have experienced unusual skin reactions while taking some medication that is not on this list, you should avoid direct sun exposure and consult your doctor.
Full list available at: https://www.skincancer.org/publications/photosensitivity-report/medications
