Diuretics and Sun Exposure

HI Ruthie,

Sorry to hear that you were so badly burned!!   I've been on Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene for about 7 months now, and after reading your story, I read my pill bottle carefully for the first time!  And it says to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and/or artificial sunlight.  I remember that photosensitivity was an issue when I was on Spiranoloactone.  I don't know why I didn't think to check the effects of my newer med.  Since I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my forehead about a year ago, I don't go out without sunscreen on, and really try to avoid  direct sun exposure altogether.  It's definitely not easy during the summer!  It's going to be 93 degrees today!  I'm staying in!  Best of luck in healing up that burn.  I've seen travel clothing catalogs that sell tops and pants that are are supposed to be like wearing SPF 30, but that are very light and comfortable.  Maybe that would be something to look into?

Take good care,

J

Hi Ruthie sorry to hear of your problem. I also take a diuretic but have been lucky enough not to have that problem. I hope you get things sorted soon. 

It is a little strange that a physician shold use the term sun poisoning, it is an outdated term and a little misleading. Dyazide can make people sensitiv to the sun and unfortuntely you seem to have that tendency. It comes from exposure to the UV rays and even on cloudy days this can happen. Limiting exposure is really the only way around it. Limit being outside between 10 and 2, the use of sublocks and long sleeves. Even with long sleeves, UV rays can go through the cloth. I have a couple of long sleeve shirts that block UV rays. They wick perspiration so are cooler that you would think. I know it is hard, but it is better than the consequenes. Repeated skin damage can make you more susceptible to skin caner also. Wear ligher colors also since they tend to not absorb. Good luck.

Ruthie,

Too bad about the sun rash.  I take Diazide and have not had that problem but each of us react differently to different medications.  Someone in one of our chats said he thought a lack of sun shine increased the frequency of his attacks and recommended Vitamin D.  I started taking it and my attacks seemed to become less frequent but it's hard to tell whether the Vitamin D is causing the change or it's just variations in the MD. 

I suggest experimenting with sun exposure before you change your life to avoid sun shine.  Your rash and sun exposure may not even be connected.

Goood luck!

Just John