Photosensitivity
Several conditions, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria and polymorphous light eruption, share the common symptom of hypersensitivity to light—typically sunlight. People taking certain prescription drugs (sulfonamides, tetracycline, and thiazide diuretics) and those diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus are more likely to overreact to sun exposure. People with photosensitivities typically break out in a rash when exposed to sunlight; how much exposure causes a reaction varies from person to person.
Dietary changes that may be helpful:
One of the conditions that can trigger photosensitivity—porphyria cutanea tarda—has been linked to alcohol consumption.1 People with this form of porphyria should avoid alcohol. Some individuals have been reported to develop a photosensitivity reaction to the artificial sweetener saccharin.2Lifestyle changes that may be helpful:
People with photosensitivities need to protect themselves from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts), and avoiding excess exposure to the sun.Nutritional supplements that may be helpful:
A proportion of ingested beta-carotene is deposited in the skin. Years ago, researchers theorized that beta-carotene in skin might help protect against sensitivity to ultraviolet light from the sun. Large amounts of beta-carotene (up to 150,000 IU per day for at least several months) have allowed people with photosensitivities to stay out in the sun several times longer than they otherwise could tolerate.3 4 5 The protective effect appears to result from beta-carotene’s ability to protect against free-radical damage caused by sunlight.6In a preliminary study, supplementation with
Fish oil (10 grams per day for three months) reduced photosensitivity in nine of ten individuals suffering from polymorphous light eruptions.7Less is known about the effects of other antioxidants. Research with vitamin E has been limited and has not yielded consistent results.8 9
Cases have been reported of people with photosensitivities who respond to vitamin B6 supplements.10 11 Amounts of vitamin B6 used to successfully reduce reactions to sunlight have varied considerably. Some doctors suggest a trial of 100–200 mg per day for three months.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce the formation of a kynurenic acid—a substance that has been linked to photosensitivities. One trial studied the effects of niacinamide in people who had polymorphous light eruption, one of the photosensitivity diseases.12 Taking one gram three times per day, most people remained free of problems despite exposure to the sun.
Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is a substance made in the body that is also found as a supplement, although it is not widely available. According to one report, 19 of 21 people with porphyria cutanea tarda responded well to 160–200 mg of AMP per day taken for at least one month.13 Complete alleviation of photosensitivity occurred in about half of the people who took AMP.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.Checklist for Photosensitivity
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Ranking |
Nutritional Supplements |
Herbs |
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Primary |
Beta-carotene |
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Other |
Adenosine monophosphate Fish oil Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) Vitamin B6 Vitamin E |
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Information about the effects of a particular supplement or herb on a particular condition has been qualified in terms of the methodology or source of supporting data (for example: clinical, double blind, meta-analysis, or traditional use). For the convenience of the reader, the information in the table listing the supplements for particular conditions is also categorized. The criteria for the categorizations are: "Primary" indicates there are reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a health benefit. "Secondary" indicates there are conflicting, insufficient, or only preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or that the health benefit is minimal. "Other" indicates that an herb is primarily supported by traditional use or that the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal proven health benefit.
References: 1. Cripps DJ. Diet and alcohol effects on the manifestation of hepatic porphyrias. Fed Proc 1987;46:1894–900. 2. Gordon HH. Photosensitivity to saccharin. J Am Acad Dermatol 1983;8:565 [letter]. 3. Mathews-Roth MM, Pathak MA, Fitzpatrick TB, et al. Beta-carotene as an oral photoprotective agent in erythropoietic protoporphyria. JAMA 1974;228:1004–8. 4. Nordlund JJ, Klaus SN, Mathews-Roth MM, Pathak MA. New therapy for polymorphous light eruption. Arch Dermatol 1973;108:710–2. 5. Mathews-Roth MM, Pathak MA, Fitzpatrick TB, et al. Beta-carotene as a photoprotective agent in erythropoietic protoporphyria. N Engl J Med 1970;282:1231–4. 6. Mathews-Roth MM. Photoprotection by carotenoids. Fed Proc 1987;46:1890–3 [review]. 7. Rhodes LE, Durham BH, Fraser WD, Friedmann PS. Dietary
8. Ayres S Jr, Mihan R. Porphyrea cutanea tarda: response to vitamin E. Cutis 1978;22:50.
9. Werninghaus K, Meydani M, Bhawan J, et al. Evaluation of the photoprotective effect of oral vitamin E supplementation. Arch Dermatol 1994;130:1257–61.
10. Kaufman G. Pyridoxine against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity. Lancet 1984;i:51–2 [letter].
11. Ross JB, Moss MA. Relief of the photosensitivity of erythropoietic protoporphyria by pyridoxine. J Am Acad Dermatol 1990;22:340–2.
12. Neumann R, Rappold E, Pohl-Markl H. Treatment of polymorphous light eruption with nicotinamide: a pilot study. Br J Dermatol 1986;115:77–80.
13. Gajdos A. AMP in porphyria cutanea tarda. Lancet 1974;I:163 [letter].