Sun Protection for Photosensitive Patients: A Caregiver’s Guide
Intro: Patients in hospice and palliative care often take many medications to manage symptoms. Some of these medications can cause photosensitivity – meaning they make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. For caregivers, this means that protecting your loved one from the sun isn’t just about comfort; it’s about preventing painful reactions or burns. Below, we’ll explain what photosensitivity is, why sun protection is so crucial for hospice patients, which medications are known to cause sun sensitivity (with both generic and brand names), practical sun safety tips, and warning signs to watch for.
Many medications can make the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, leading to quick sunburns or rashes if one isn’t careful. In hospice care, patients often take a combination of these drugs, so caregivers must be vigilant about sun protection. The image above illustrates a person shielding their face from bright sun – a reminder to guard sensitive skin from UV exposure. By understanding photosensitivity and taking the right precautions, you can keep your loved one safe and comfortable in the sun.
What Is Photosensitivity?
Photosensitivity is a chemically induced change in the skin that makes a person much more sensitive to sunlight. In practical terms, a patient who is photosensitive can develop a severe sunburn, rash, or other skin reaction after even brief sun exposure, sometimes even on areas of skin not directly in the sun. This reaction happens because certain medications (or their byproducts) in the body interact with ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, causing skin cells to be damaged or triggering an immune reaction.
There are two main types of drug-related photosensitivity:
Phototoxic reactions: More common, these look like an exaggerated sunburn – redness, irritation, possibly blistering – and can occur within minutes to hours of sun exposure. Essentially, the drug in the skin absorbs UV light and gets “activated,” injuring the skin cells.
Photoallergic reactions: Less common, these are allergic responses where the sun changes the drug in a way that the immune system attacks, causing eczema-like rashes or blisters that might appear a day or two after sun exposure. These rashes can even spread to skin that wasn’t in the sun.
Not everyone on a photosensitizing medication will have a reaction – sensitivity varies from person to person. However, it’s hard to predict who will react, so it’s best to assume your loved one could be at risk if they’re taking any medication known to cause photosensitivity.
Why Sun Protection Is Critical for Hospice Patients
Sun protection is important for everyone, but it’s especially vital for patients in hospice or palliative care. Here’s why:
Multiple Medications: Hospice patients typically take several medications to control pain, symptoms, and other conditions. Many of these drugs (pain relievers, antibiotics, etc.) can add up to increase sun sensitivity. Even if a single medication only slightly raises sun sensitivity, the combination can make skin very reactive to UV light. If a patient has had chemotherapy or radiation, they may also have lingering sensitivity in their skin.
Fragile Skin: As people age or become very ill, the skin often becomes thinner, more delicate, and less able to repair itself quickly. This means sun damage (like burns or rashes) can hurt more and heal slower. Seniors’ skin already has endured years of sun exposure, and additional sunburn can cause significant injury. Protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is essential at any age; older adults must be extra careful by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.
Comfort and Quality of Life: Hospice care focuses on comfort. A bad sunburn or itchy rash is the last thing a hospice patient needs – it can cause pain, discomfort, fever, or infection risk. Preventing these issues with good sun protection means avoiding unnecessary suffering, which is exactly our goal in palliative care.
Unaware of Exposure: Some hospice patients may not be fully alert or may spend time near windows or outdoors without realizing the risk. They might not feel a burn developing due to medication side effects (for example, strong pain medicines can dull sensation or make them drowsy). A patient could fall asleep in direct sun and wake up with a severe burn. Caregivers need to be the eyes and protection for their loved ones in these cases.
Medication Side Effect Management: If a patient on a photosensitizing drug does get a sunburn, it could be more severe than a normal sunburn and even trigger systemic symptoms. In some cases, it might force stopping a medication. It’s far better to prevent the reaction with good sun habits than to have to discontinue a helpful drug or treat a burn. In fact, experts say that if patients carefully protect themselves from the sun, it’s often not necessary to stop the useful medication.
In short, sun safety is a part of patient safety. It protects your loved one’s skin, prevents avoidable pain, and ensures their treatments can continue without complication. Next, we’ll review which medications are known to cause sun sensitivity – many of which are common in hospice care.
Medications That Increase Sun Sensitivity (Photosensitivity)
A surprising number of medications can make skin more prone to sunburn and UV damage. We’ve organized a detailed list below by category. For each, we include generic names followed by common brand names, and a note on why they’re used. Pay special attention to those marked, as many are frequently used in hospice and palliative care:
Pain Relief Medications:
Opioid Analgesics (for severe pain): Examples include Morphine (MS Contin®, Roxanol®), Oxycodone (OxyContin®, in Percocet® when combined with acetaminophen), Hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco® when with acetaminophen), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), and Fentanyl (Duragesic® patch). These powerful painkillers aren’t classically known for causing photosensitive rashes, but we include them because they are mainstays in hospice care. Some patients on opioids have reported increased sun sensitivity, and opioids can cause sedation and dehydration, which means a patient might not realize they are getting too much sun. Caregivers should treat opioid patients as potentially photosensitive – keep them shaded and protected to be safe. (Notably, fentanyl patches come with a special warning: if the skin under the patch gets sunburned or overheated, it can absorb the drug faster, increasing risk of overdose. Soit’s critical to keep patch sites out of direct sun and avoid heating the skin.)
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are common pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Examples: Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), Naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®), Ketoprofen (Orudis®), Piroxicam (Feldene®), Diclofenac (Voltaren®), and Celecoxib (Celebrex®). NSAIDs are known to cause phototoxic reactions, meaning they can trigger sunburn or rash with sun exposure. Even over-the-counter doses might make a person burn more easily. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), while not an NSAID, has also been reported to increase sun sensitivity in some people. If your loved one uses NSAIDs for arthritis or mild pain, be extra cautious with sun protection.
Antibiotics and Anti-Infectives:
Sulfonamide Antibiotics: A common example is Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®, Septra®). This is often used for urinary, respiratory, or skin infections and is notorious for causing sun sensitivity. Even weeks after finishing a course of Bactrim, the skin can still react strongly to sun, so precautions should continue for a while.
Tetracycline Antibiotics: These include Doxycycline (Vibramycin®, Doryx®), Minocycline (Minocin®), and Tetracycline itself. Tetracyclines are widely used for infections like pneumonia and also for skin conditions. They are considered “some of the worst” offenders for sun sensitivity, often carrying strong warnings to avoid sunlight. Even a short time outside can result in a rash or severe burn on exposed skin.
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: Examples are Ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) and Levofloxacin (Levaquin®). These broad-spectrum antibiotics can make the skin more likely to burn, though perhaps not as dramatically as tetracyclines. The FDA explicitly lists ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin among drugs that cause sun sensitivity. Caregivers should use sun protection if a patient is on any “-floxacin” antibiotic.
Other Antibiotics: Nalidixic acid (NegGram®, for urinary infections) is another example noted to cause photosensitivity. Linezolid and some anti-tuberculosis drugs may cause it as well. It’s best to assume any antibiotic could have this effect unless told otherwise by a doctor or pharmacist.
Antifungal Medications: Certain antifungals are extremely photosensitizing. For instance, Voriconazole (Vfend®), used for serious fungal infections, can cause severe sun reactions and even increase skin cancer risk with sun exposure. Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG®) and itraconazole (Sporanox®) are other examples that make skin sun-sensitive. If your loved one is on an antifungal for a yeast or mold infection, be very cautious with sun.
Antidepressants and Psychiatric Medications:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants used for depression or anxiety can make a person more likely to sunburn. Common examples in hospice care include Sertraline (Zoloft®), Citalopram (Celexa®), Escitalopram (Lexapro®), Fluoxetine (Prozac®), and Paroxetine (Paxil®). Tricyclic antidepressants often given at bedtime for nerve pain or insomnia, such as Amitriptyline (Elavil®) and Doxepin (Silenor®), are also known to cause photosensitivity. In fact, sun sensitivity is often listed in the medication’s side effect leaflet. Tip: If your family member is on an antidepressant, check the pharmacy printout for any sun or “avoid UV light” warnings. Not every patient will react, but some can get rashes or sunburns more easily while on these medications.
Antipsychotic and Anti-nausea Drugs: Some medications used for agitation, delirium, or nausea in hospice are in the phenothiazine family and can cause significant photosensitivity. For example, Chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), an older antipsychotic sometimes used for hiccups or nausea, can turn skin grayish-blue on exposure to sun and cause bad burns. Prochlorperazine (Compazine®) and Promethazine (Phenergan®) are anti-nausea medications (and sedatives) that also fall in this category – promethazine is specifically noted by the FDA as a sun-sensitizer. Even antihistamines used for allergies or sleep, like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or Hydroxyzine (Atarax®, Vistaril®), can make skin more reactive to UV light. These drugs might cause an itchy rash on sun-exposed areas or a sunburn that seems too severe for the time outside.
Anti-seizure and Mood Stabilizers: Some anticonvulsant or mood-stabilizing medications used in palliative care for nerve pain or seizures can cause sun sensitivity. One notable example is Carbamazepine (Tegretol®), often used for nerve pain (neuropathic pain) or seizures, which has been reported to cause photosensitive rashes. Another is Lamotrigine (Lamictal®), where rare cases of severe rash can be worsened by sun. Lithium (for mood disorders) may also make one prone to sunburn. If a hospice patient is on these, use caution with sun exposure even during short outdoor breaks.
Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy and Others):
Chemotherapy Drugs: Many chemotherapy agents cause profound photosensitivity. Hospice and palliative patients might still be receiving low-dose chemo or have recently stopped chemo, so it’s worth noting. For example, 5-Fluorouracil (Adrucil®; also in Efudex® cream) can cause intense reactions – patients on it can sunburn in minutes. Methotrexate (Trexall®, Rheumatrex®), used for certain cancers and also for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, is known to cause photosensitivity and even severe sun reactions. Dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome®), Vinblastine, Dasatinib, and many others have sun warnings. Even newer targeted cancer therapies and immunotherapy can cause rashes that worsen with sun. The key is: if your loved one has ever had chemo, assume their skin is delicate with UV. OncoLink (a cancer education resource) notes that chemotherapy-induced photosensitivity can last for weeks after treatment. Radiation therapy sites are also permanently more sun-sensitive–skin that was in radiation fields should always be protected from sun to prevent burn and irritation.
Hormonal Therapies: Medications like Tamoxifen (for breast cancer) or Bicalutamide (for prostate cancer) might cause some sun sensitivity or pigmentation changes. While not as common, if a hospice patient is on hormonal therapy for cancer, use sun protection on exposed skin as a precaution.
Other Common Medications:
Diuretics (Water Pills) & Blood Pressure Drugs: Many seniors and hospice patients take diuretics for blood pressure or swelling. Thiazide diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, brand Microzide®) and Chlorthalidone are well-known to cause photosensitivity. Even combination pills for blood pressure that include HCTZ (like Losartan/HCTZ (Hyzaar®)) carry this risk. Loop diuretics like Furosemide (Lasix®) can do the same. Patients on these might notice they sunburn easier or get an itchy red rash on sun-exposed arms. Amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®), a heart rhythm medication sometimes used in advanced heart disease, is another infamous one – it can cause a blue-gray skin discoloration in the sun and serious burns. If your loved one is on amiodarone for arrhythmias or any “water pill” for edema, be very diligent with covering their skin outdoors.
Cholesterol Medications: Surprising to many, statin drugs for cholesterol (like Atorvastatin (Lipitor®), Simvastatin (Zocor®)) have been associated with sun sensitivity in some cases. It’s not extremely common, but it’s another reason to shield an older patient’s skin – they often are on these drugs chronically.
Herbal Supplements: Be mindful if the patient takes any herbals or over-the-counter supplements. One example is St. John’s Wort (used for mild depression or insomnia) – it can cause significant photosensitivity and skin reactions in the sun. Another is high-dose Niacin (Vitamin B3), which can increase sunburn risk. Always inform the hospice nurse or doctor about any supplements, as these can be hidden causes of sun reactions. Some essential oils can also cause burns on the skin when exposed to the sun.
As a caregiver, review the medication list for any of the above drug names or classes. Many prescription labels will have a sticker that says “avoid sunlight” or “may cause skin sensitivity – use sunscreen” if they fall into these categories. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or doctor, or err on the side of caution and use sun protection regardless.
Practical Sun Protection Measures for Caregivers
Sun protection for a photosensitive patient involves more than just sunscreen. Here are concrete steps and tips to minimize UV exposure and prevent reactions:
Time of Day – Seek Shade: Try to keep your loved one out of direct sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. If outdoor time is desired, plan it for early morning or late afternoon/early evening. Even then, pick a shady spot (under a tree, umbrella, or canopy). Remember that sunlight through windows can also cause burns if someone is photosensitive – UVB is mostly filtered by glass, but UVA can penetrate windows. So if the patient sits by a sunny window, keep the curtains drawn or use UV-protective window film during peak hours. Outdoors, you can create shade with umbrellas or a wide-brimmed hat. As a rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is strong – seek shade!
Protective Clothing: Covering up the skin is one of the best defenses. Have the patient wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible. Lightweight cotton or linen in light colors can keep them cool while blocking a lot of UV. Consider clothing with a built-in UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating for high-risk patients. Broad-brimmed hats (covering the face, ears, and neck) are excellent – a hat can significantly cut down on UV exposure to the most sensitive areas like the scalp and face. Also, sunglasses are important if the patient can wear them, because some medications that cause skin photosensitivity can also affect the eyes. Use sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB to protect their eyes and the delicate skin around them. If the patient will tolerate it, light cotton gloves can protect thin skin on the hands (which often get a lot of sun). And don’t forget lip balm with SPF for the lips, especially if they’re on chemo (which can cause lip sensitivity).
Sunscreen, Generously and Properly: For any skin that will be exposed, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB). Choose a high SPF – SPF 30 or higher is recommended, and SPF 50+ if the skin is very sensitive. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours, or more often if the patient is sweating or if you’re doing any skincare that removes it. Don’t skimp – apply a thick, even layer. Commonly missed spots include the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and back of the knees, so cover those too. For the face, consider using zinc or titanium-based sunblock which is gentle on the skin. Also use sunscreen lip balm on the lips. If the patient has sensitive skin, look for mineral-based or hypoallergenic formulas. Note: On rare occasions, certain sunscreen ingredients can themselves cause photosensitivity. If you suspect the sunscreen is irritating the patient’s skin, talk to a healthcare provider for alternatives. Otherwise, sunscreen is a lifesaver – literally preventing burns and skin damage.
Avoid Tanning Lights: This may go without saying, but do not use tanning beds or sun lamps with a photosensitive patient. These devices emit UV rays that can cause the same or worse reactions as the sun. Hospice patients likely aren’t seeking a tan, but sometimes UV lamps are used for other purposes – clear any such use with a doctor.
Stay Hydrated and Cool: While not directly related to UV, keeping the patient hydrated and their skin moisturized can help the skin stay healthy. Dehydration can make skin more prone to damage. Also, overheating can worsen some drug reactions. Use fans or shade to keep the patient cool. A sunburned person can overheat quickly because the skin can’t sweat as well, so prevention is key. On hot days, incorporate cooling techniques like damp cool cloths on the neck or a misting fan, so you can limit sun exposure time.
Plan Activities Carefully: If your loved one enjoys going outside – for example, to sit in the garden or attend a family gathering – plan these activities with sun safety in mind. Perhaps set up a seating area in full shade or use a portable canopy. Limit the outing to shorter intervals if the sun is unavoidable and have a shawl or extra layer handy to cover up if needed. Monitor the sky; even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of UV rays can get through clouds, so don’t skip protection on overcast days. And remember, UV can reflect off surfaces like water, sand, or concrete, so even in shade, if you’re near a swimming pool or similar, UV can bounce onto the skin.
Routine Checks: Get in the habit of checking your loved one’s skin daily (or have the hospice nurse check during visits). Early signs of sun overexposure might be subtle – a slight redness, new patches of dry or itchy skin, or the patient reporting a tingling sensation. If you notice any of these after even a little sun exposure, increase the protection measures. It’s easier to prevent a mild reaction from becoming a severe one by catching it early.
By combining these measures – smart timing, protective clothing, and diligent sunscreen use – you create layers of defense against UV rays. The goal is to virtually eliminate direct UV on the patient’s skin. In many cases, a caregiver’s vigilance in sun protection can mean the difference between a pleasant afternoon outside and a painful sunburn that lasts for days.
Warnings Signs and When to Seek Help
Even with precautions, caregivers should stay alert for any signs that a photosensitivity reaction is happening. Early detection allows you to get the patient out of the sun and treat the symptoms promptly. Watch for these warning signs:
Redness or Pinkness on the Skin: If you notice the patient’s exposed skin becoming pink or red, even lightly, act immediately – get them indoors or into shade. What might be a mild flush on a healthy person can quickly escalate to a burn on a photosensitive individual. Redness can worsen over hours, so don’t assume it’s mild. Start cooling the skin with a cool, damp cloth.
Sudden Rash or Itchiness: A patchy rash, hives, or general itchiness on areas that saw sun can indicate a photosensitivity reaction. It might appear while still in the sun or later that day. The rash could be just a bit bumpy or extremely itchy. If a rash appears, keep the patient out of further sun and inform the hospice nurse or doctor. Over-the-counter anti-itch lotions (like calamine or 1% hydrocortisone cream) might be recommended but ask the medical team first.
Pain or Burning Sensation: If the patient verbalizes that their skin “stings” or burns, or if they have neuropathy and suddenly complain of skin discomfort, take it seriously. Phototoxic reactions can cause a lot of pain, sometimes out of proportion to what you see on the skin. This pain can start soon after sun exposure and worsen over the next 24 hours.
Blistering: This is a sign of a severe sunburn. If you see any small blisters forming on red areas (or larger bullae), treat it as an urgent situation. Blistering means second-degree burn. Gently remove the patient from the sun, keep them cool, and do not pop blisters. According to oncology skin care guidelines, a sunburn that blisters or causes open sores should prompt a call to the healthcare provider. Blisters can open and lead to infection, which a hospice patient is more vulnerable to. The care team might recommend specific burn creams or dressings to prevent infection.
Fever, Chills, or Headache: Sometimes a serious sunburn can cause systemic symptoms like fever, chills, headache, or even confusion (similar to sunstroke). In a patient on photosensitizing meds, these symptoms could indicate a bad reaction. Don’t dismiss a new fever as just an illness – consider whether sun exposure happened in the past day or two. Let the hospice nurse know if the patient develops fever or feels unwell after sun exposure.
Areas of Skin Not Exposed Turn Red: Interestingly, some photoallergic reactions can cause rashes on skin that weren’t even in the sun (for example, a patient gets a rash on their back even though only their arms were exposed). This happens because the immune system is reacting internally. If you see a new rash in covered areas after sun exposure, it could still be a photosensitivity issue. This is worth reporting to the doctor, as it may change how the medication is managed.
What to do if you spot a reaction: First, get the patient out of the sun immediately. Move indoors or to full shade. Cool the skin with tepid (not ice-cold) water or cool, wet cloths – this helps ease pain and limit damage. If only mild redness, a soothing fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel may help. For more severe burns or rash, the hospice nurse or doctor might prescribe a stronger topical cream (like a steroid cream) or even pain medication to keep the patient comfortable. Follow the hospice team’s guidance on wound care if blisters have formed – they might want to cover them with sterile dressings.
Importantly, inform the hospice/palliative care team about any significant photosensitivity reaction. They may document it as an allergy or adjust the medication regimen if possible. In many cases, though, the solution will be to reinforce sun avoidance rather than stop an essential drug. The medical team might also check that nothing else could be causing the skin issue.
Finally, if you’re ever unsure whether a skin change is due to sun or medication, err on the side of caution and keep the patient protected and call your healthcare provider for advice. They can help determine the cause and proper treatment. Remember, your vigilance can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Conclusion
Caring for a hospice or palliative care patient involves juggling many tasks – and sun protection is an often overlooked but crucial one. Medications that cause photosensitivity are common in comfort care: pain relievers, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-nausea drugs, and more. By understanding which drugs pose a risk and taking preventive steps, you can spare your loved one the pain of sun-induced burns or rashes. Keep in mind the key strategies: avoid intense sun, cover up the skin, use high-SPF sunscreen, and watch closely for any skin changes.
Sunshine can lift the spirits and provide warmth, which is wonderful – we certainly don’t want to keep patients in the dark. Instead, we want them to enjoy the sun safely. As a caregiver, you become the frontline defender against harmful UV rays. With a bit of planning and care, you can ensure that outings to the porch or garden remain pleasant and free of painful side effects. Always feel free to discuss sun safety and any concerns about medications with your hospice team; they can offer additional tips tailored to your loved one’s situation.
In summary, sun protection is an act of love and prevention. By shielding your loved one from the sun’s harsher effects, you protect their comfort, health, and dignity in their remaining time. Don’t hesitate to use the resources at your disposal – high-SPF sunscreens, protective clothing, shade structures, and the advice of medical professionals – to create a safe environment. Your attentiveness makes a world of difference. With these precautions in place, patients can still enjoy sunny days without worry, and you can have peace of mind knowing you’re keeping them safe.
References
We’ve included reputable sources and references throughout this guide to back up the information provided. For further reading, consider resources like the FDA’s guide on photosensitivity and medications, oncology support resources on managing photosensitivity, and skin safety guidelines from dermatology experts. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Stay sun-safe!
References:
- S. Food & Drug Administration. (2019). *Avoiding sunburn: Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight*. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/avoiding-sunburn-medications-increase-sensitivity-sunlight
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). *Photosensitivity: Symptoms, causes, and treatment*. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/photosensitivity
- American Cancer Society. (2022). *Protecting skin during cancer treatment*. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems.html
- (2023). *Skin reactions from chemotherapy and radiation therapy*.https://www.oncolink.org/support/side-effects/skin-reactions
- National Institutes of Health. (2021). *Drug-induced photosensitivity*. U.S. National Library of Medicine.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- DermNet NZ. (2022). *Drug-induced photosensitivity*.https://dermnetnz.org/topics/drug-induced-photosensitivity
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). *How medications can make you sun-sensitive*.https://health.clevelandclinic.org/medications-sun-sensitivity
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2022). *Sun protection for patients on photosensitizing medications*.https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection
- Net9. (2023). *Managing side effects: Skin and nail changes*.https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/skin-and-nail-changes
- (2023). *Photosensitivity*. U.S. National Library of Medicine.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003221.htm
- (2022). *Understanding and avoiding photosensitivity reactions*.https://www.skincarerx.com/blogs/health/understanding-and-avoiding-photosensitivity-reactions/
- (2022). *Drugs that cause photosensitivity*.https://www.healthline.com/health/photosensitivity-drugs
- British Journal of Dermatology. (2020). *Review of drug-induced photosensitivity*.https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/183/5/897/5837771
- (2023). *Photosensitivity: Drugs and symptoms*.https://www.rxlist.com/photosensitivity/definition.htm
- Pharmacy Times. (2022). *Sun-sensitizing medications: A pharmacist’s guide*.https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/sun-sensitizing-medications
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). *Radiation therapy and your skin*.https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy/skin