From the Guidelines
Diclofenac 1% topical gel can cause sharp pins and needle sensations when exposed to heat or sun. This medication belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class and is known to cause photosensitivity reactions in some patients 1. When applied to the skin and then exposed to sunlight or heat, diclofenac can increase skin sensitivity, leading to these uncomfortable sensations along with potential redness, burning, or rash.
Some key points to consider when using diclofenac 1% topical gel include:
- Applying the gel to affected areas only
- Washing hands thoroughly after application
- Avoiding sun exposure for at least two hours after applying the medication
- Covering treated areas with clothing when going outdoors If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider and consider using the medication at times when sun exposure can be minimized 1.
It's also worth noting that other medications, such as amlodipine, can also cause photosensitivity reactions, although the evidence for this specific reaction is not as strong as it is for diclofenac 1. However, based on the most recent and highest quality study, diclofenac 1% topical gel is the most likely medication to cause sharp pins and needle sensations when exposed to heat or sun.
From the Research
Medications Causing Sharp Pins and Needles When Exposed to Heat/Sun
- The medications listed are:
- amLODIPine 5 mg tablet
- Calcium 600 + D(3) 600 mg-10 mcg (400 unit) tablet
- diclofenac 1 % topical gel
- estradioL 0.01% (0.1 mg/gram) vaginal cream
- ezetimibe 10 mg tablet
- fenofibrate micronized 67 mg capsule
- gabapentin 300 mg capsule
- meclizine 25 mg tablet
- naproxen 500 mg tablet
- tamoxifen 20 mg tablet
- Based on the provided studies, the following medications can cause photosensitivity reactions:
Specific Symptoms
- Sharp pins and needles when exposed to heat/sun are not explicitly mentioned in the studies, but photosensitivity reactions can cause a range of symptoms, including: