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Answer:Certain medications, including sulfa antibiotics, can cause photosensitivity—being especially sensitive to the sun's burning rays (more so than you normally are). Even brief exposure to the sun or using a tanning booth or sunlamp can cause a person to experience a skin rash, itching, redness, discolored skin—even a severe sunburn.

While you are taking a sulfa medication, be sure to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Wear clothing and accessories to protect your skin: long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Use a lip balm with SPF 15, too.

Learn more about Allergy to sulfa and other drugs.

Get more information about your prescription medication.

View Walgreens.com sun care products.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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