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A: Blood tests are often used to determine whether other medical conditions could be responsible for photosensitivity. The doctor may also perform a skin biopsy, in which a very small section of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Phototesting, which means the doctor exposes the skin to small amounts of controlled UV light, can help determine which type of light is causing the reaction, if any. And finally, allergy tests, where the physician injects a small amount of a suspected allergen into the skin and watches for potential reactions.
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A: There are several plants that are suspected as possibly triggering photosensitivity, such as: celery, parsley, parsnip leaves, carrot leaves, figs and citrus fruits.
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A: Certain oral contraceptives, as well as both topical and oral medications for acne, such as Accutane or retinol creams or gels are known to cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun, but check with your dermatologist for a comprehensive list.
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A: This is a common misconception that’s promoted by various Web sites and organizations, including the ITA, which states, having a base tan "enables vacationers to gradually increase their exposure to ultraviolet light without burning." The problem with this logic is that you’re damaging your skin every time you tan. If one session can already cause skin damage, imagine what several sessions can do; and that’s even before you’ve arrived at your sunny destination.
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