Be careful of phototoxic reactions after taking medicine and sunbathing
Xiao Xing, who lives in Suojin Village, Nanjing, was treated at a hospital a month ago for symptoms of painful urination and frequent urination. The doctor diagnosed him with urinary tract infection and prescribed sulfonamide antibiotics - sulfamethoxazole etc. However, the day after Xiao Xing took the medicine, he just went out for lunch, and when he came back, he found that the exposed skin on his face, hands, etc., had developed small blisters. He then quickly went to a nearby hospital for examination, and after diagnosis by a dermatologist, Xiao Xing's symptoms were identified as "drug-induced phototoxic reaction", which is an allergic reaction that occurred under sunlight exposure after taking the medication.
How to determine phototoxic reactions
The skin on the face, neck, forearms, handbacks, etc., that are exposed outside, develop rashes such as red spots, papules, hives-like, or blisters after sun exposure or ultraviolet light exposure. Some people's skin may show symptoms like red spot swelling or patches.
5 types of people are more susceptible to phototoxic reactions
Strong sunlight can activate the drugs, thereby directly destroying or killing skin cells. Therefore, the skin exposed to light can produce mild phototoxic reactions within a few minutes or hours after sun exposure. Compared to ordinary people, phototoxic reactions are more likely to occur in the following 5 types of people:
1. People with delicate skin
2. People using antibiotics for acne treatment
3. People with human immunodeficiency diseases
4. People with lupus erythematosus
5. Patients with impaired immune function
Prevention is most important to avoid phototoxic reactions
1. Sun protection
For sensitive individuals, during the use of quinolone antibiotics or other drugs that cause phototoxic reactions, special protection should be noted when going out, such as applying sunscreen with a protection index over 15 before going out, using sun umbrellas, wearing sunglasses, etc. Especially with summer approaching, it is even more important to wear long pants and long-sleeved clothes.
2. Read the instructions
Before taking the medicine, please read the drug instructions carefully. Especially when the instructions note that the drug can cause phototoxic reactions, during the medication period and within 5 days after stopping the medication, contact with sunlight or ultraviolet rays should be avoided.
3. Check medical records
Patients who have previously experienced phototoxic reactions should be cautious or not use known drugs that can produce phototoxic reactions.
4. Stop the medication
For patients who have already experienced phototoxic reactions, they should immediately stop the medication and visit the dermatology department. Do not take medicines arbitrarily to avoid delaying the condition. It is worth noting that within 5 days after the symptoms disappear, solar or ultraviolet irradiation should still be avoided to prevent another phototoxic reaction.
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