Photosensitivity: What It Is, Which Drugs Cause It, and How to Stay Safe

When your skin reacts to sunlight like it’s under attack—redness, burning, or rash without much sun exposure—you might be dealing with photosensitivity, a reaction where certain medications make your skin unusually sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. Also known as sun sensitivity, it’s not just a bad sunburn. It’s your body’s response to a drug changing how your skin handles sunlight. This isn’t rare. It shows up with common pills you might be taking right now—for blood pressure, antibiotics, or even acne. You don’t need to be on vacation to get hit. Even a short walk to your car or sitting by a window can trigger it.

Some drugs don’t just cause photosensitivity, a skin reaction triggered by UV light exposure due to medication use—they make it worse. Diuretics, medications that help your body get rid of extra fluid, often used for high blood pressure like indapamide can do it. So can antibiotics, drugs used to fight bacterial infections, including sulfa-based and tetracycline types like doxycycline or Bactrim. Even antidepressants, especially SSRIs, and some painkillers like ibuprofen can turn your skin into a lightning rod for UV rays. The problem? You might not know it’s the medicine until your skin starts peeling or blistering after minimal sun exposure.

What makes this worse is that photosensitivity doesn’t always show up right away. It can take days or weeks. And once it hits, it lingers—even after you stop the drug. That’s why tracking your meds and sun exposure matters. If you’re on any of these drugs and notice your skin reacting to light, it’s not just bad luck. It’s a signal. The good news? You don’t have to live in the dark. Simple steps—like wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, choosing UPF clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours—can cut your risk by half. You don’t need to stop your meds. You just need to know what you’re dealing with.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides from people who’ve dealt with this exact issue. Some explain how to spot early signs before it turns into a full-blown reaction. Others break down which medications are most likely to trigger it, and how to talk to your doctor about alternatives. You’ll also find tips on managing sun exposure while still living your life—whether you’re taking blood pressure meds, antibiotics, or something for chronic pain. No fluff. Just what works.