It’s also important to recognize that wearing sunscreen may not be enough.
What is Photosensitivity?
Sun sensitivity, known asphotosensitivityorphototoxicity,is the tendency to sunburn more easily than usual.
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Most photosensitivity reactions associated with chemotherapy drugs are phototoxic.
In a phototoxic reaction, medications such as chemotherapy drugs absorb ultraviolet radiation.
Which Drugs Cause Photosensitivity?
Its important to talk with your oncologist about your particular medications.
In addition, the combination of different drugs may raise your risk further than a single drug would alone.
If you’ve had radiation therapy, you may wish to consider sun protection a long term goal.
When Do the Symptoms Start?
It usually takes several hours before the full extent of a sunburn can be realized.
Getting outside, breathing fresh air, and talking a walk can all help you feel better emotionally.
Medical research seems to back that intuition.
Many people simply feel better if their level is optimal.
Thankfully, checking your vitamin D level may be done through a simple blood test.
confirm to talk to your healthcare provider, however, before using any supplements.
Taking very large doses of vitamin D can lead to painful kidney stones.
What If I Get a Sunburn?
Use cool, wet compresses to ease discomfort.
Check out these additionaltips on how to treat a sunburn.
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American Cancer Society.Coping with Radiation Treatment.
National Comprehensive Cancer internet.Take Precautions During Cancer Treatment in Warmer Weather.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Cancer Treatment Side Effect: Skin Changes.
Payne, A., and D. Savarese.Cutaneous Side Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy Agents.UpToDate.
Smith, E. et al.A review of UVA-mediated photosensitivity disorders.Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences.
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