The original site this came from is long gone, so this has been rescued from the Wayback Machine.
The views here are those of the author, and are presented for archival purposes.
I have made layout changes, but otherwise left the grammer alone. ~Sphynx
Photosensitivity is an important issue for in light of the recent evidence
that radiation from the sun causes cancer. Sunburns, rashes, and other problems
caused by the sun can be painful and difficult to treat, if not fatal. Sunlight
is an especially important concern for vampires as they tend to burn very easily.
PHOTOALLERGIC REACTIONS
This type of reaction appears as a rash or reddened area of skin, sometimes
with blistering or swelling. It is caused by a change in one's immune system,
and the symptoms appear every time the skin is exposed to sunlight.
PHOTOTOXIC REACTIONS
Phototoxic reactions look and feel like an extreme sunburn. They are usually
the result of a reaction between a certain chemical (medicines, shampoos,
etc.) and sunlight.
Photosensitizers
- Plants
- limes
- parsley
- celery
- carrots
- mustard
- figs
- Skin Care Products
- Antibacterial deodorant soaps
- Perfumes containing bergamot, sandalwood, lavender, or citron oils
- Coal-tar shampoos and soaps
- Sunscreens with PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
- Medicated cosmetics
- After-shave lotions
- Medications
- Antibiotics
- tetracycline
- sulfa drugs (e.g.. Bactrim)
- quinolone derivatives (e.g., Noroxin, Cipro)
- Anti-diabetic drugs
- chlorpropamide
- glyburide
- gliclazide (Diamicron)
- tolbutamide
- acetohexamide (Dimelor)
- Antihistamines
- astemizole (Hismanal)
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- terfenadine (Seldane)
- tripelennamine (Pyribenzamine)
- Cardiovascular drugs
- thyazide diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
- amiodarone (Cordarone)
- ACE inhibitors [enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril
(Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril)]
- diltiazem (Cardizem)
- felodipine (Plendil, Renedil)
- flecainide (Tambocor)
- hydralazine (Apresoline)
- methyldopa (Aldomet)
- quinidine
- sotalol (Sotacor)
- Diuretics
- thiazides
- acetazolamide
- amiloride
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- diclofenac (Voltaren, Arthrotec)
- diflunisal (Dolobid)
- etodolac (Ultradol)
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- ketoprofen (Orudis)
- naproxen (Naprosyn)
- phenylbutazone
- piroxicam (Feldene)
- sulindac (Clinoril)
- tenoxicam (Mobiflex)
- tiaprofenic acid (Surgam)
- Oral contraceptives ("The Pill")
- Psychiatric drugs
- chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- haloperidol
- loxapine (Loxapac)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- phenothiazines (Chlorpromazine, thioridazine, perphenazine, methotrimeprazine)
(Nozinan)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- trazadone (Desyrel)
- tricyclic derivatives (eg. amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
- Other medications
- 5-ASA (Asacol, Pentasa)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- cholestyramine (Questran)
- coal tar derivatives
- dantrolene (Dantrium)
- flutamie (Euflex)
- fluvastatin (Lescol)
- interferon (Intron)
- omeprazole (Losec)
- pravastatin (Pravachol)
- quinine
- selegilene (Eldepryl)
- simvastatin (Zocor)
It is important to note that photosensitivity can continue for weeks
or even months after discontinuing use of a drug. If you are concerned about
the medication you are taking, consult with your physician about possible
alternatives.
TIPS ON PREVENTING REACTIONS
Avoid the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the
sun's rays are the strongest.
Use a sunblocker such as zinc or titanium dioxide for
areas around the nose, eyes, and lips.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (more
for people with very light skin).
Do not use products containing PABA (para-aminobenzoic
acid).
Alcohol-based sunscreens penetrate deeper than others.
If you plan to go swimming or enjoy water activities,
choose a waterproof sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and
about every 2 hours while outdoors.
Use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.
Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats.
Wear sunglasses which offer protection from UVA and
UVB rays which can damage the cornea.
Don't forget sun protection in the winter -- harmful
rays bounce off of snow.
Radiation is increased at higher altitudes. Always
wear sunscreen when skiing.
Avoid tanning beds.
This article is presented as part of an ongoing effort to present other views outside of, as well as within, the online vampire community. Those of us who consider ourselves vampiric don't always look at things from the same viewpoint due to our life experiences. As such, the views and opinions contained in this article are entirely those of the author(s), and may not necessarily be shared by SphynxCatVP. The webmaster is not under obligation to update or otherwise keep current the contents of this article. Most importantly, only you can decide for yourself whether this article or any of the author(s) other views are useful or applicable to you - you are responsible for using your own reasoning and judgement, so judge wisely.
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