Use of phototoxic medicines at the beach

Beachgoers were surveyed about their use of phototoxic and photosensitizing medicines. Although 51% of respondents were identified as using phototoxic medicines, only one beachgoer using a phototoxic drug was aware about his increased risk for skin injury. Immediate photodistributed erythema pain was less severe in those using phototoxic medications than the pain associated with ordinary sunburn (p = 0.002). Greater emphasis about educating those with recreational or occupational sunlight exposure about their current medicines that may result in drug-induced phototoxicity is needed to prevent skin injury and possible skin cancer.