Photosensitizing Medications: What They Are and How They Affect Your Skin

When you take a photosensitizing medication, a drug that makes your skin more reactive to ultraviolet (UV) light. Also known as phototoxic drugs, these medications don’t just work inside your body—they change how your skin responds to sunlight. It’s not just about getting a tan faster. If you’re on one of these drugs, even a short walk outside can trigger a bad sunburn, blistering, or a rash that looks like a severe allergic reaction. You might not realize the cause until it’s too late.

Many common drugs fall into this category. Tetracycline antibiotics, like doxycycline and minocycline, are a major group that increases UV sensitivity. So are diuretics, especially hydrochlorothiazide, often used for high blood pressure. Even some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can cause problems if you’re out in the sun too long. And it’s not just pills—some topical creams, like those with coal tar or psoralens, can do the same thing. The reaction usually shows up within minutes to hours of sun exposure, and it’s not a normal sunburn. It’s sharper, more painful, and often shows up only where the skin was exposed.

What makes this tricky is that you might be taking one of these drugs for a completely unrelated issue—like acne, high blood pressure, or an infection—and never connect it to your skin reaction. People often blame the sun, the beach, or a new lotion, when the real culprit is something they swallowed or rubbed on their skin days before. If you’ve noticed unexplained redness, peeling, or blisters after being outside, check your meds. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You might need to switch to a different drug, adjust the timing of your dose, or start using stronger sun protection.

The good news? You don’t have to avoid the outdoors completely. But you do need to be smarter about it. Wear UPF-rated clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day—even on cloudy days—and try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat help too. Some people need to avoid direct sun entirely while on these drugs. If you’ve had a reaction before, you’re more likely to get it again, so don’t take chances.

Below, you’ll find detailed guides on medications that cause these reactions, how to spot early signs, and what to do if your skin reacts. You’ll also see comparisons of common drugs with similar side effects, and how to manage your treatment without giving up your daily life. This isn’t just about avoiding sunburn—it’s about staying safe while staying healthy.