Several medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, diuretics, Retin-A, cholesterol drugs and even oral contraceptives can cause what is called photosensitivity, which ranges from skin irritation, rash or sunburn and blistering.

“There are two types of photosensitivity,” said Dr. Skyler Nguyen, a family physician with Optum Utah. “There’s photoallergy and phototoxicity.”

Nguyen said photoallergy is the minor form of photosensitivity that happens when the sun’s rays interact with the medication’s ingredients. It can cause a mild sunburn, redness, peeling and itching, which can come on the next day or two after being in the sun.

Photo toxicity is the more severe type and can occur when medication is activated by sun exposure. It can cause peeling, burning, oozing, rash, severe itchiness, swelling and blistering, which can come on minutes or hours after sun exposure.

Photosensitivity is a condition where the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet light. Nguyen said it’s triggered by the release of a chemical antigen in the body that causes heightened skin sensitivity.

“Just because it can happen doesn’t mean it will,” he said. “If you’re taking Advil and want to go jump in the pool, you’ll just have to see how your skin will react. But it’s extremely important to wear sunscreen whether you’re taking medication or not, and it should be at least an SPF for 30 or more. It should also cover both UVA and UVB rays.”

Nguyen said it’s also a good idea to wear sun-protective clothing with SPF protection or long sleeves and a hat.

As far as skin care products go, Nguyen said it’s best to apply those at night. These can include Retin-A, glycolic acid, Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide.

By the time morning rolls around, the medicine has had time to do its job and you should be safe to go out in the sun.

“The sun is great in moderate doses,” he said. “It helps with depression and gives us a daily dose of Vitamin D, but we should always take precautions to protect ourselves. Not only can medications cause problems, but the sun can also cause skin cancer, acne and wrinkles.”

Nguyen said if you are taking medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a sun sensitivity risk, and if you have a severe sunburn or blister, seek medical attention. Otherwise, if symptoms are mild, try using something soothing on the skin such as aloe vera gel.