Torsemide and Your Sensitivity to the Sun
Sun sensitivity, also referred to as photosensitivity, is inflammation of the skin brought about by different reasons, including the combination of sunlight and certain medications or substances. Generally there are two types of reactions to sunlight connected with the intake of certain drugs: phototoxic reactions in which the drug may become activated by exposure to light and it thus causes damage to the skin, and photoallergic reactions in which exposure to the sunlight changes the structure of the medication so that it is taken by the body and reacted to as an invader.
Torsemide is known to be able to make you more sensitive to the sun. It belongs to the groups of medications that are possible causes of sun sensitivity as a symptom. To put it more precisely, it can cause phototoxic reactions. Generally, it does not cause photoallergic reactions, but phototoxic reactions are very frequent.
The most characteristic reactions of the skin to the exposure to sunlight which may appear if you take Torsemide encompass itching, tiny blisters, burning and skin bleeding. These symptoms are usually accompanied by overall weakness, headaches, nausea and chills.
When it comes to safety measures, if you begin to take Torsemide, it is important to decrease your sun exposure. You'd better minimize your exposure to the sun in terms of duration, time of the day and what you wear. Lying in the sun and sunbathing can be altogether harmful as it can lead to moderate or even severe burns. If you have developed sun sensitivity when taking Torsemide, it is recommended to wear ultraviolet protective clothing. Or you can treat your clothes with a special UV-absorbing agent which will work as a protective shield. Then, when choosing your clothes, you should also remember about fabrics. It is known, for example, that polyester fabrics offer greater protection than cotton. And colored polyester is safer than white. Long-sleeved shirts, long skirts or trousers and sunglasses must be your wise choice.
Some countermeasures can be taken to combat or to treat the developing photosensitizing reactions. For example, topical steroid creams are helpful in treating the skin inflammation and minimizing the itching. But it is always better to remember that prevention is better than cure.
The reaction to the sun can decrease with time in the course of medical treatment. However, in some cases discontinuing the photosensitizing drug is necessary and is the only forced choice in the course of clinical treatment.