Photosensitizers are chemicals that increase the sensitivity of body tissues, including skin, to light.
Conditional photosensitizers
Classification of ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation ranges.
100 - 280 nm - UVC
280 - 315 nm - UVB
351 - 400 nm - UVA
400 - 740 nm - visible range
> 740 nm - infrared
List of photosensitizers - medicines
Group
Name
Phototoxic effect
Photoallergy
Wavelength
Antibiotics
Quinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, etc.)
✔️
280-330 nm
Tetracycline (Doxycycline)
✔️
320-425 nm
Sulfonylamides (trimethoprim)
✔️
UVB
Dapson
✔️
UV
Chlorhexedin
✔️
UVA
Minocycline
✔️
Chemotherapy
5-fluorouracil
✔️
✔️
UVA
Vinblastine
✔️
UVA
Dakarbazin
✔️
UVA
Cardiac medications
Amiodarone
✔️
335 - 460 nm
Nifedipine
✔️
UVA
Quinidine
✔️
✔️
UVA
Diltiazem
✔️
UVA, UVB
Diuretics
Furosemide
✔️
UVA
Thiazides
✔️
✔️
UVA
Hypoglycemic (sugar reducing)
Sulfonylurea
✔️
✔️
UVA
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
Ibuprofen
✔️
UVA
Naproxen
✔️
310 - 325 nm
Ketoprofen
✔️
UVA
Celecoxib
✔️
UVA
Retinoids
Isotretinoin
✔️
UVA
Acitretin
✔️
UVA
Antipsychotics
Phenothiazines
✔️
✔️
UVA
Thioxanthenes
✔️
UVA
Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants
✔️
UVA
Antifungal
Itraconazole
✔️
✔️
Variconazole
✔️
UVA
Lipid-lowering (cholesterol lowering)
Atrovastatin
✔️
✔️
UVB
Steroids
Hydrocortisone
✔️
UVA
Antiviral
Acyclovir
✔️
UVA
Substances that impair tissue regeneration
Substances that impair tissue regeneration are not considered photosensitizers, but they can cause tissue scarring after laser treatments. These substances include systemic retinoids, hormones, cytostatics.
Substances that interfere with blood clotting
Drugs that reduce blood clotting are also not classified as photosensitizers, but they can cause bruising during or after laser treatments. These include:
Weak plant photosensitizers- cause a photosensitizing effect when taken plentifully:
celery, bergamot, carrots, parsnips, parsley
Essential oils, especially citrus fruits, may contain components such as furocoumarins, coumarins and linalol, linalool, which are potential photosensitizers.
Grapefruit peel, Citrus paradisiis a strong photosensitizer
Lemon peel, Citrus limonumis a strong photosensitizer
Lime peel, Citrus aurantifoliais a strong photosensitizer
Mandarin leaf,Citrus reticulata
Ruta leaf, Ruta graveolens
Lasers in cosmetology and medicine
Lasers are widely used in medicine. The main areas of application of lasers in this specialty can be divided into three groups: treatment of vascular lesions, removal of pigmented lesions, and aesthetic treatments such as skin resurfacing, hair removal and tattoo removal. All lasers used in cosmetology, dermatology and aesthetic medicine emit either in the visible spectrum or in the infrared range.
Lasers in the visible spectrum (400-740 nm)
KTP (green laser), 532 nm
dye lasers, 585-595 nm
ruby - 694 nm
BBL and IPL systems 400-1400 nm
Lasers in the infrared range (755 - 10600 nm)
alexandrite laser - 755 nm
diode lasers 800-910 nm
neodymium lasers Nd: YAG 1064 nm, Nd: YAG 1320 nm
Er: YAG Erbium Lasers, 2940nm
CO2 lasers, 10600 nm
As you can see, lasers used in cosmetology and dermatology differ from the ultraviolet spectrum, which affects light sensitivity.
The use of intense pulsed light (BBL, IPL) is also safe if a cut-off filter above 400 nm is available.
Although these wavelengths are much longer wavelengths and carry less energy than ultraviolet, their potential risk during laser treatments should be considered. Tell your doctor if you are taking medication on a regular basis.
Literature
Kerstein R, Lister T, Cole R (2014) Laser therapy and photosensitive medication: a review of the evidence. Lasers Med Sci 29 (4): 1449-52
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