Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Increase Sunburn Risk

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications and Photosensitivity: What’s the Connection?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications and Photosensitivity: What’s the Connection?
Canva; Everyday Health
By
Updated on January 28, 2026
by
You were only briefly out in the sun, so why did you get a sunburn? Your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medication could be causing photosensitivity, an immune-mediated reaction that can increase susceptibility to sunburn and sun rash.

Recent information suggests that even one blistering sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer many years later, says Robert T. Brodell, MD, a professor and past chair of the department of pathology and former department chair of dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs That Increase Photosensitivity

If you live with RA, you might take medications like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to slow disease progression and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.

Here are some of the photosensitivity-linked agents used to treat or manage rheumatoid arthritis.

  • methotrexate (Trexall)
  • azathioprine (Imuran)
  • cyclosporine (Restasis)
  • leflunomide (Arava)
  • hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • NSAIDs, such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Of these, methotrexate and naproxen have the most substantial evidence linking them to photosensitivity reactions, according to a 2021 study.

Other off-label medications or drugs for RA might also cause photosensitivity reactions, including:

  • Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept) Some doctors may prescribe mycophenolate mofetil off-label for RA.

  • Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Some clinicians prescribe this to treat blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

Be sure to ask your doctor if you have concerns about photosensitivity, even if you don’t see the drugs you take on this list. Many other medications can cause it.

Protect Yourself From Photosensitivity and Sunburn

Sun protection is essential for everyone, but if you take a drug that increases photosensitivity, you may need to take extra measures. These medication side effects can be challenging to predict.

According to Dr. Brodell, with regard to drugs that cause photosensitivity, every drug has a different half-life, which means they will each take different amounts of time to clear out of your system. Some may be cleared within 36 hours; others may take more or less time. “It’s not necessarily predictable how long you have to be careful. Ask your doctor, but even then, err on the side of caution,” says Brodell.

Remember the following to help keep yourself protected.

Apply Sunscreen and Wear Sunglasses

Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means that a sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

“Try different sunscreen products to find one that you like — cream, spray, gel, lotion. If you don’t get the one you like, you won’t use it,” says Brodell. Ideally, reapply every two hours, but at least twice daily. If you’re sweating a lot or swimming, reapply more often and use a water-resistant sunscreen.

Also, note that UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off snow in winter, so wear sunscreen regardless of the weather.

Your eyes are also sun-sensitive, so consider wearing sunglasses that have UV protection.

Wear Clothes That Shield Your Skin

Wear a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved light-colored shirts, and long pants.

UV rays can sometimes penetrate clothing, so you might want to try sun-protective clothing products and accessories specifically recommended for individuals with sun sensitivity.

Avoid Tanning Booths

The American Academy of Dermatology Association advises that tanning booths and beds are not safer than sun exposure.

Get Regular Checkups

Make sure to consult a dermatologist annually. Research has suggested that using tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors may have links to an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

In addition, self-check your whole body for new or changing skin lesions once monthly. If you notice growing or changing moles, make an appointment.

Know Your Medication Options

If you’re having a lot of trouble avoiding burns and rashes, ask your doctor about possibly changing medication.

After-Sun Care: How to Cool the Burn

If you do happen to get a sunburn, Brodell recommends taking an NSAID for pain, if your doctor allows it. However, research has linked naproxen and ibuprofen to photosensitivity.

 An alternative, such as aspirin, may help reduce your discomfort without potentially contributing to skin cancer risk, if you take a medication in this class.

To relieve sunburn, you can try the following measures:

  • Apply cold compresses for 10 minutes several times daily. You can also try taking a cool bath with around 2 ounces (60 grams) of baking soda.
  • Avoid all UV exposure.
  • Drink additional fluids to rehydrate.
  • While skin is damp, apply moisturizing lotion. You can try aloe vera or calamine options to soothe your skin.
  • Apply over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream twice daily to calm redness, itching, and swelling. You can try cooling the cream in the refrigerator first for additional relief.
  • Use a cool, damp towel to relieve sunburned eyes, and avoid wearing contacts or rubbing your eyes until symptoms improve.

People with RA face an increased risk of infection, so seek medical help if you have large blisters anywhere or blisters on your hands, face, or genitals — and do not scratch. You may need treatment in a hospital. Likewise, blisters with swelling, pus, or streaks may point to an infected blister. Speak to a doctor if you experience:

  • Worsening pain
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Chills
  • Eye pain or vision problems
  • Signs of infection

Visit the nearest emergency room if you encounter the following symptoms after sunburn:

  • A high fever (more than 103 degrees F)
  • Vomiting
  • Signs of infection
  • Dehydration
  • Cold skin
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling faint

The Takeaway

  • Some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate and NSAIDs, may increase your sensitivity to the sun, leading to a higher risk of sunburn or rash.
  • Adequate sun protection is vital if you’re using RA medications that cause photosensitivity. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds.
  • If you experience severe sunburn, including blisters, swelling, or signs of infection, seek medical attention to prevent complications.
  • Regular checkups with a dermatologist are advised for those taking RA medications, as certain drugs may slightly increase the risk of skin cancers.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Arthritis Medications and Sun Sensitivity. Arthritis Foundation.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mayo Clinic. April 9, 2025.
  3. Hofmann GA et al. Drug‐Induced Photosensitivity: Culprit Drugs, Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Consequences. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. January 25, 2021.
  4. Bandeira M et al. Off-Label Use of Mycophenolate Mofetil in the Treatment of Rare and Complex Rheumatic Connective Tissue Diseases. Clinical Experiments in Rheumatology. May 2022.
  5. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). American College of Rheumatology. April 2025.
  6. Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. November 2, 2025.
  7. What to Wear to Protect Your Skin From the Sun. American Academy of Dermatology.
  8. 10 Surprising Facts About Indoor Tanning. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
  9. Driscoll CB et al. Long-Term Risk of De Novo Malignancy With Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF) Inhibitor Immunosuppression: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of Inflammation. August 14, 2025.
Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Susan-Bard-bio

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

See full bio

Beth Levine

Author

Beth Levine is an award-winning health writer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Woman's Day, Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest, AARP Bulletin, AARP The Magazine, Considerable.com, and NextTribe.com. She has also written custom content for the Yale New Haven Hospital and the March of Dimes.

Levine's work has won awards from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Connecticut Press Club, and the Public Relations Society of America. She is the author of Playgroups: From 18 Months to Kindergarten a Complete Guide for Parents and Divorce: Young People Caught in the Middle. She is also a humor writer and in addition to her editorial work, she coaches high school students on their college application essays.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network