From the Guidelines
The recommended management for sunburn, particularly in patients taking Prozac (fluoxetine), involves immediate treatment with cool compresses, aloe vera gel, and over-the-counter pain relievers, as well as preventive measures such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and limiting sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. For immediate relief, cool compresses, cool baths, or gentle showers can help reduce heat. Apply aloe vera gel or moisturizers containing aloe to soothe the skin. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (650mg every 4-6 hours) can reduce pain and inflammation. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Some key points to consider in the management of sunburn include:
- Minimizing exposure to the sun during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) as recommended by 1
- Seeking shade from the midday sun (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) as suggested by 1
- Wearing clothing, hats, and sunglasses that protect the skin as advised by 1
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UV-A and UV-B protection) with a sun-protection factor of >15, although a more recent study 1 recommends using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen
- Avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds as recommended by 1
For prevention, patients taking fluoxetine should be especially vigilant about sun protection since this medication can cause photosensitivity. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours when outdoors, wear protective clothing including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and limit sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest. If severe blistering, fever, extreme pain, or signs of infection develop, medical attention should be sought promptly. The photosensitivity caused by fluoxetine occurs because the medication can absorb UV radiation and transfer energy to skin cells, leading to increased damage from sun exposure. Moisturizing regularly, protecting against excessive exposure to sunlight, and using emollients or soap substitutes can also help prevent sunburn, as suggested by 1.
From the Research
Recommended Management for Sunburn
- The recommended management for sunburn is symptomatic treatment of UV light-induced symptoms, including erythema, pain, and pruritus 2.
- Topical corticosteroids, such as 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate milk and 0.1% hydrocortisone 17-butyrate emulsion, have been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of sunburn 3.
- However, other studies have found that topical corticosteroids may not provide a clinically useful decrease in the acute sunburn reaction when applied 6 or 23 hours after UV exposure 4.
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cool baths, and topical steroids may offer only mild relief for sunburn symptoms 5.
Prozac and Sun Sensitivity
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Prozac (fluoxetine) predisposes patients to develop sunburn.
- However, it is known that certain medications, including some antidepressants, can increase sun sensitivity.
- Patients taking Prozac or other medications that may increase sun sensitivity should take extra precautions to protect their skin from the sun, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing 5.
Prevention of Sunburn
- Regular sunscreen use during childhood and adolescence may result in an 80% reduction in the lifetime incidence of ultraviolet-induced skin damage, including nonmelanoma skin cancers 5.
- Physicians should stress to their patients that all ultraviolet exposure, including sunbeds and tanning salons, causes skin damage 5.