Sunburn

Question 1

Sunburn is caused by acute excessive exposure to ?

Answer 1

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Question 2

Individuals with these features will burn more readily:
1.
2.
3. tan poorly and freckled

Answer 2

1. blue/green eyed
2. lighter skin

Question 3

___ is responsible for phototoxicity, photoaging, immunosuppression and skin cancer. It also accounts for ~95% of radiation found in artificial tanning beds.

Answer 3

UVA

Question 4

___ penetrates the skin more deeply than ultraviolet B (UVB) and is responsible for most phototoxic reactions to drugs.

Answer 4

UVA

Question 5

___ (290–320 nm) is the primary cause of sunburn from sunlight. It can cause immunosuppression and skin cancer. It does not penetrate glass

Answer 5

UVB

Question 6

True or False:
Radiation effets are enhanced by reflective surfaces (ex. sand, snow, cement) and water

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Sun protection should be used if the UV index is __ or higher

Answer 7

3

Question 8

What is the most damaging type of UV radiation?
a. UVA
b. UVC
d. UVB
e. None of the above

Answer 8

UVC is the most damaging, however it is completely filtered by the atmosphere and does not reach the earths surface

Question 9

True or False:
Shorter wave lengths = less skin penetration and less harmful

Answer 9

False, Shorter wavelengths = less skin penetration and MORE harmful

UVA - long WL, deep pentration
UVB - med WL, surface layer
UVC - short WL

Question 10

Non-drug options for avoiding sunburn:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Answer 10

1. Avoid outdoor activities at peak UV times (10-4 pm)
2. Choose shady areas for outdoor activities
3. Wear Sunscreen
4. Wear sunglasses, Wide brimmed hats

Minimize sun exposure while taking phytotoxic medications, avoid alcohol

Question 11

Medications that may cause phytotoxic reactions:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Answer 11

1. Tetracyclines
2. Quinolones
3. Diuretics (furosemide, hctz)
4. Retinoids

Azole antifungals, NSAIDs, Cancer therapies, Amiodarone, diltiazem, sulfonylurea , TCA

Question 12

What is a phototoxic reaction?

Answer 12

A dose related, sun-burn like reaction. Occurs minutes to hours after exposure

It is limited to the areas of skin exposed to sun

Can occur in anyone with sufficient sun/med exposure

Question 13

What is a photo allergic reaction?

Answer 13

A delayed hypersensitivity reaction after exposure to light, small # of people

Occur 24-72 hours after exposure to a photosensitizing drug and sunlight

Question 14

The two types of sunscreens:
1.
2.

Answer 14

1. Inorganic (Physical)
2. Organic (Chemical)

Question 15

Physical sunscreens like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide work by:

Answer 15

Reflect/Scatter UV and visible light

Other ex. kaolin, talc, ferric chloride, melanin

Question 16

Physical sunscreens are generally _______ and less __________ elegant, and may rub off easily or melt with the sun’s heat. Although they pose less risk of sensitization, their occlusive effect may cause ________ (“heat rash,” “prickly heat”) and folliculitis.

Answer 16

thicker and less cosmetically elegant

miliaria

Question 17

Chemical sunscreens should be applied __ minutes before UV exposure to allow active ingredients to bind to the skin

Answer 17

15

Question 18

There are various classes of chemical sunscreens.
- Benzophenones spectrum:

• Cinnamates spectrum:
• Dibenzoylmethanes:
• Para-aminobenzoic acid esters (PABA)

Answer 18

Benzophenones: UVA+UVB

Cinnamates: UVB

Dibenzoylmethanes: Broad UVA protection

PABA esters: UVB protection

Question 19

This class of chemical sunscreens can cause cross-sensitivity with ester anesthetics, sulfonamides, sulfonylurea hypoglycemics, thiazides

Answer 19

PABA esters

Question 20

When choosing sunscreen:
1. They should be labeled:
2. Have an SPF of at least ____

Answer 20

1. broad spectrum
2. 30

Question 21

Sunscreen application:
1. Topical sunscreens should be applied generously to all exposed surfaces including lips, tops of ears and tops of feet

2. Apply __ minutes before sun exposure
3. Reapplied after ____ or ____ and atleast once during prolonged outdoor exposure

Answer 21

2. 15 minutes
3. washing or towel drying

Question 22

It is generally recommended that sunscreen be applied ______ insect repellent

Answer 22

before

Question 23

True or False:

Since vitamin D synthesis requires UVB exposure, one should increase sun exposure without sunscreen to meet vitamin D requirements

Answer 23

Intentional sun exposure without sunscreen in order to meet vitamin D requirements is not recommended.

Question 24

For infants < 6 months of age if sunscreen is needed use:
1.

Answer 24

Physical sunscreen and apply to small exposed areas such as face, back of hands and feet

Question 25

Non drug options for treatment of sun burn?
1
2.

Answer 25

Cool baths
Wet compresses

Replenish fluids

Question 26

Pharm choices for treatment of sun burn?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Answer 26

Calamine
colloidal oatmeal
moisturizers
Analgesics

Pramoxine hydrochloride 1% topical anesthetic

Avoid benzocaine, sensitize skin

Question 27

Sunburn in pregnancy can be treated with these medications:

Answer 27

1. Calamine or colloidal oatmeal
2. acetaminophen for pain relief

Question 28

After a sunburn, the skin should not be exposed to the sun for atleast ?

Answer 28

1 week