What is meant by photosensitivity?
A condition in which the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet light and may burn easily. Photosensitivity usually causes a rash or sunburn, especially on areas of the skin that are exposed to ultraviolet light.
What autoimmune disease causes photosensitivity?
This is the unfortunate reality for many people with lupus. Up to 60 percent of patients with the autoimmune disease have sensitivity to ultraviolet light, a condition called photosensitivity. It can result in skin inflammation or a flare-up of a wide range of lupus symptoms, such as joint pain and fatigue.
Is photosensitivity an autoimmune disorder?
Some autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma cause photosensitivity, or a sensitivity to sunlight. Photosensitivity can also be a side effect of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication, commonly taken by rheumatoid arthritis patients.
What is photosensitivity side effect?
Photosensitivity is an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other light sources. Most people are at risk of developing sunburn during long exposure to sunlight. Exposure to UV rays can also lead to skin damage and skin cancer.
What is photosensitivity a symptom of?
Photosensitivity, sometimes referred to as a sun allergy, is an immune system reaction that is triggered by sunlight. Sunlight can trigger immune system reactions. People develop itchy eruptions or areas of redness and inflammation on patches of sun-exposed skin.
Does rheumatoid arthritis cause sun sensitivity?
Photosensitivity is a side effect of some rheumatoid arthritis medications. With summer in full swing, your patients are likely spending ample time outdoors. Be sure to remind them that if they take certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they may be more susceptible to sunburns and skin rashes.
What does lupus photosensitivity look like?
Many experience an increase in lupus symptoms after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, either from the sun or from artificial light. Photosensitive people may develop a skin rash, known as a butterfly rash, which appears over the nose and cheeks after sun exposure. Other rashes might look like hives.
Can RA cause sun sensitivity?
Summary: Drugs that treat RA may cause you to be sensitive to the sun and may cause bad sunburns or rashes. Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) make you sun sensitive.
What medications can cause photosensitivity?
What medications can cause photosensitivity?
- Antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines like doxycycline and fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin.
- Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
- Older antihistamines like promethazine.
- Griseofulvin, an antifungal medication.