WARNING, better late than never, WARNING!!

[Rena705]

The following is an excerpt of my warning about exposure to the sun and medications you may be taking.  Please take the time to go to the Health Pages to read this warning.  There is a list of medications that may make you "photosensitive" so please check it out.

** WARNING ABOUT MEDICATIONS **

POSSIBLY CAUSING PHOTOSENSITIVITY!


Photosensitivity is the amount to which an object reacts upon receiving photons, especially visible light.

Sun-sensitizing drugs are medications that can increase the skin's susceptibility to reddening and burning from the sun (or a tanning lamp). These drugs are also called photosensitizing agents.



It is very important to read the label carefully before using a prescription or non-prescription medication, paying particular attention to side effects such as photosensitivity.

Please close this and go to the Health Pages and put your own mind at ease knowing if you are at risk of severe burns!

Take Care and always use sunscreen!

Rena

[PastorDan]

I was never prone to burning until one beach trip the week after I graduated from high school.  Spent the entire day there.  Hardly gave it a thought.  This was 35 years ago; sunscreen might've then come in SPF 8, but nobody with hair as dark as mine ever wore that stuff.  Went to work that later night, washing dishes in a restaurant.  Passed out after about four hours.  Doctor said I had 2nd degree burns; prescribed Darvon.  One leg became infected through the healing process.  Believe me, you do not want a scab from the knee to the ankle.  Scabs don't flex and stretch the way skin does, and on a large area like that, it hurts when it pulls.

Ever since, I burn quite easily.

[brendis10]

That is true. I was taking Avonex since Jan 2006, and it was removed by my Neuro because it was causing burns on my face arms and chest. I used sunscreen 90spf for 7 months, and the burns keep appearing until today. That is very important beacuse serious burns can cause some skin complications. Thanks for the information!!! Have a good day for all!!!!

[Sailorsong]

Yes this is very important..I know from experience.

When my daughter was younger she wanted to go to the beach and even though I knew I was taking a photosensitive drug I though I would be safe by using a 45 SPF lotion. After only 1/2 hour I had to go back to our car as I was already starting to burn badly on my legs. Went to the doctor later on that day with 2nd degree burns on my legs.  

Dennis

[Lulu54]

Thanks for this timely reminder, Rena.

The hp she refers to is at :

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/WARNING-ABOUT-MEDICATIONS-AND-SENSITIVITY-TO-THE-SUN/show/356?cid=36

[Sparkysarah]

Thanks for this..will check it out as I have fair skin and burn easily even here in the not so sunny UK (where it seems to be raining rather a lot this summer!).

Love Sarah