Sun and drugs do not always mix. They can form a harmful cocktail.

Once swallowed, the capsules and tablets release indeed assets that spread throughout the body, including the skin. There, ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach them and turn them into toxic or allergenic substances.
All that is needed is a low-intensity radiation to end up with nasty burns, itchy redness , or even an eczema or hives on the arms, face or décolleté.

Some perfumes, deodorants and cosmetic creams are also photo-sensitizing.

Which medicines should you be wary of?

Not all drugs are phototoxic or photoallergic, but many antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antiallergics, anti-acne drugs, anxiolytics, anti-depressants and diuretics are .

They cause an exaggerated reaction of the skin to the sun, disproportionate to the duration of exposure and the intensity of the rays received. In case of allergy, even unexposed areas may be affected.

How to anticipate well?

The most sensitizing remedies theoretically include a distinctive logo on the box, but it is not always easy to discern. For safety, read the leaflet of your medications or ask your pharmacist if your prescription contains a risky product.

The best is of course to suspend in the summer the catch of the incriminated products. But that is not always possible. Do not take any initiative on your own. But ask your doctor if your prescription can not be changed: substitution of photoallergising specialties by others who are not or change of catch times (around 18h ​​rather than in the morning, so that the cutaneous concentration in assets is minimal hours of exposure).

What precautions to adopt?

"The photo-protective capsules, containing beta-carotenes and / or vitamins C and E (Dermobiane Solar, Doriance Solar, Oenobiol Solar ...), help reduce the risk of sunburn and allergy," says the Dr. Joëlle Anconina-Finel, dermatologist. To take in cure at least 15 days before the first tans.
But they do not solve everything. They reduce skin intolerance reactions to the sun, but do not eradicate them.

So as not to take undue risks, redouble vigilance when taking photosensitizing drugs. "Never expose yourself between noon and 4 pm, wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses and use sun creams with a high index (50 )," advises Dr. Anconina-Finel. Renew regularly their application, even during swimming, because water produces a magnifying effect on the skin.