Causes of sun sensitivity

Photosensitivity may cause redness, itching, burning, blisters, or a rash on exposed skin after sunlight that previously felt tolerable. Some medicines and topical products can make skin react more readily; do not stop a prescribed medicine without speaking with the prescriber. A reaction that follows a new medicine may be a Drug Rash. Other patterns can be linked to immune or inherited conditions, and the distribution of the rash helps a clinician investigate.

Limit direct sun during the strongest daylight, seek shade, and cover exposed areas with closely woven clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed and reapply after sweating or swimming. Review prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and skincare ingredients with a pharmacist or clinician. Keep a record of the product, medicine, timing, and body areas involved.

Arrange assessment if reactions recur, blister, leave marked colour change, involve areas that were covered, or begin after a new medicine. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread blistering, skin peeling, mouth or eye sores, fever, or feeling faint.

Could a medicine or skincare product be triggering this reaction? Which ingredients should I avoid? Do I need tests for an underlying condition? How can I protect my skin while keeping essential treatment?