As aesthetic practitioners, we are always required to consider a patient’s medication, among other factors, prior to treatment to ensure safe and successful results. One implication that a patient’s medication may have on their skin is photosensitivity; the abnormal response or reaction to ultraviolet light, which typically presents as ‘sunburn’.1 Drug-induced photosensitivity refers to an undesirable pharmacologic reaction to light irritation following the application or ingestion of a drug to cause a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction.2
Up to 8% of reported cutaneous adverse events in clinical practice is thought to have a photosensitive element to it;3 although, it is not always recognised. Numerous drugs have been implicated in such reactions including, but not limited to: antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), cardiovascular agents and some psychotropics.1
It is well recognised by industry professionals that the under-reporting of such reactions may account for the lack of robust information and data concerning the real incidence of these reactions.
