What is a phototoxicity?

Some compounds cause the tissues in the body to respond negatively to the exposure to light, especially sunlight and other UV radiation sources. This type of reaction is known as phototoxicity. The body areas, especially skin and sometimes eyes, can be extremely sensitive to light and the cells keep damage when they come into contact with it. This effect may be similar, but should not be confused with a photallergic reaction where the body has an allergic reaction to the substances activated by light. This includes both drugs that are used and drugs that have been applied locally to the skin. Several types of antibiotics, including tetracycline and sulfonamides, can cause extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Some non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may cause a phototoxic response. Retinoids used for skin care can be more sensitive. Other medicines that may cause some diuretics, antifungals, and neuoleptics.

The use of certain essential oils can also cause phototoxicity. ChemicalIE in some oils used in aromatherapy can cause one's skin to be sensitive to light and should therefore be used with caution. In particular, bergamot oil is known to lead to skin damage. Citrus oils such as lemon and lime are also ordinary culprits. Some other types that should be used with care are Angelica Root, Lovage and Cumin.

those suffering from phototoxicity usually experience discomfort or pain in areas exposed to sunlight; The reaction leads to the disintegration of cellular membranes or sometimes DNA in cells, which in turn causes inflammation. The most common result is severe burning, when the skin becomes very red and painful and in some cases the skin can even blisters. The beginning of the burning can occur very quickly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to a phototoxic subposo and sunlight. There are also concerns that people exposed to long -term phototoxiCut compounds may have a better chance of developing skin cancer.

To test whether the substance is phototoxic, scientists often use a process called neutral red phototoxicity 3T3 test. It is an in vitro process, where a dye called neutral red is applied to the compound in question. The reaction of the substance can then be assessed to see if it causes phototoxicity. The use of this test has been popularized as an alternative to animal testing.