One such activity that can cause you to have adverse effects while on prescription medication is tanning. Tanning is a prevalent part of today’s society, and provides several mental and physical benefits. But tanning while taking certain prescription drugs can be unsafe, and can potentially cause frustrating health issues. Continue reading to learn some helpful information about tanning and prescription medications.
Photosensitivity
One of the most common side effects of tanning on prescription drugs is photosensitivity, or a heightened sensitivity to UVA and UVB rays. Both the sun and tanning beds provide these types of UV-light. Photosensitivity is manifested in one of two ways, either phototoxic reactions or photo-allergic reactions. Evidence of a phototoxic reaction will generally occur right away, or within 24 hours after tanning. It will feel and appear much like a sunburn, and eventually diminish once the medication is no longer being used.
In contrast, a photo-allergic reaction is a bit more serious and complex. When taking a prescription medication, your body recognizes the medicine and uses it appositely. But some medications will change structure when exposed to UVA or UVB light, causing your body to treat it as an “intruder” since it cannot recognize it as it did before. As a result, your skin will begin to develop eczema-like patches and blistering that can last beyond the discontinuation of the medicine. A photo-allergic reaction can show up anywhere from1 to 3 days after UV-light exposure.
The best defense against suffering from phototoxic and photo-allergic reactions is to wait until your medication is complete before tanning. But if you are on a medication that you require for long-term purposes, consider using sunless tanning products to achieve a safe, bronze glow.