So, my very outdoorsy-type 13 y/o daughter has to take an antibiotic (doxycycline, if it’s relevant) for a couple weeks. Among the instructions from the doctor were to be aware of sunburn/photosensitivity while taking this medication. Apparently you can get pretty cooked, depending on individual physiology.
This really kind of sucks for her since we have a very short summer here in Far Northern Vermont, but these are the breaks, as they say.
We’re of course following instructions, limiting exposure, etc., but I would like to hear from Dopers who have had similar experiences (or had children/relatives/SO’s who did) with sun-sensitizing meds, antibiotics in particular.
Did you blow off the warnings? Get torched? Never had an issue?
Thanks in advance for sharing!
(Oh, and all the usual “not a Doctor, not requesting medical advice, just looking for opinions, etc. etc…”)
I took tetracycline for years as an adult, and I lived in Florida at the time. And I’m fair-skinned, blue-eyed, and light-haired.
The doctor isn’t kidding. Worst burn of my life was because I’d forgotten to put enough sunblock and went out on a boat. Never before in 30 years in Florida had I been that burned.
BUT! All is not lost! She can go out if you are both careful and make sure she wears heavy-duty sunblock (not screen) and hats, etc.
SPF clothing is going to be a good idea. Land’s End makes swim/SPF t-shirts, including 3/4 sleeve and long sleeve length. There are others available, too, just google. (ETA: Also REI and Coolibar.)
SPF 45 **everywhere **is a must. Every single day. Neutrogena makes a version that is oil-free and should be non-comedogenic. Also get a sunblock stick to put on ears, and for repeat applications to nose, eyelids, and so on. Don’t forget the tops of feet. Also bottoms of feet if appropriate.
I’d also suggest a ball cap (or other hat) if she’s outside. Sunburned scalp is possible even with thick hair, and it’s really unpleasant.
Enjoy the outdoors but have her take advantage of SPF clothing and wear lots of sunblock. Reapply sunblock often.
Thanks for the response, G/B.
Pretty much what we’re expecting. The kid’s gonna love this - your post states almost word-for-word what her mother has been hounding her to do for years now.
*Don’t forget the “forgotten” places! Face, ears, feet, hair part… *
I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to respond so at least we can point to the objective voice of experience, internet version, in this situation.
Thanks again.
Not an antibiotic but a coworker has blood pressure meds that make him photosensitive. He says he feels totally wiped out the next day if he is out in the sun for more than half an hour.
No personal experience with this, but as a pharmacist, I had to advise dark-skinned people of various races about this side effect. They would always interrupt me and say, “Um, I’m (fill in the blank)” and I would reply that this affects people of all skin tones.
If you are on one of these drugs, USE SUNSCREEN. Oh, and the resulting burn doesn’t tan, either.
I’m about as fair-skinned as it’s possible to be but I’ve experienced no problems with photosensitivity while on antibiotics. Not even while on a three-week course of doxycycline one July.
I’m light skinned, and I’ve taken Doxy as a malaria prophylaxis. I don’t think it affected me in that way, though it did give me a wicked stomach ache.
The hazards of being a modern youth. Back in the early Reagan years, I was told not to get “too sunburned” as a teenaged bunny at the beach. “You’re tuning red, here’s a t-shirt and some sunblock. Now get out of here.”
Is that the drug that gave you a superhuman sense of smell or was that something else?