Common painkillers increase risk of sunburn, warns health watchdog As the UK prepares for its fifth heatwave of the summer, a growing concern has emerged about the unintended consequences of medication on sunburn risk.
Britain's health watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has warned that common painkillers like ibuprofen can increase sensitivity to the sun, making burns more likely.
The MHRA advises simple precautions can make a significant difference in reducing risk: staying hydrated, avoiding the strongest sun during the middle of the day, and using protective clothing and sunscreen.