Phototoxicity occurs when certain compounds cause extreme sensitivity to light, damaging cells upon exposure. Medications, including antibiotics and NSAIDs, and essential oils like bergamot and citrus can induce phototoxicity. Symptoms include severe sunburn and inflammation, and long-term exposure may increase the risk of skin cancer. The 3T3 neutral red phototoxicity test is used to determine if a substance is phototoxic.
Some compounds cause body tissues to react negatively to exposure to light, especially sunlight and other sources of UV radiation. This type of reaction is known as phototoxicity. Areas of the body, especially the skin and sometimes the eyes, can become extremely sensitive to light and cells will be damaged when they come into contact with it. This effect may be similar to, but should not be confused with, a photoallergic reaction, in which the body has an allergic response to substances activated by light.
A variety of drugs can lead to phototoxicity; this includes both drugs that are ingested and those applied topically to the skin. Several types of antibiotics, including tetracyclines and sulfonamides, can cause extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can induce a phototoxic response. Retinoids used for skin care can make it more sensitive. Other medications that may be a cause include some diuretics, antifungals, and neuroleptics.
The use of some essential oils can also induce phototoxicity. The chemicals in some oils used in aromatherapy can make skin sensitive to light and should therefore be used with caution. Bergamot oil in particular is known to cause skin damage. Citrus oils like lemon and lime are also common culprits. Some additional types that should be used with care are angelica root, lovage, and cumin.
Sufferers of phototoxicity typically experience discomfort or pain in areas exposed to sunlight; the reaction leads to a breakdown of cell membranes or sometimes DNA in the cells, which in turn causes inflammation. The most common result is severe sunburn, with the skin becoming very red and sore, and in some cases, the skin may also blister. The onset of sunburn can happen very quickly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to the phototoxic substance and sunlight. There is also some concern that people exposed to long-term phototoxic compounds may have a higher chance of developing skin cancer as well.
To test whether a substance is phototoxic, scientists often use a process called the 3T3 neutral red phototoxicity test. This is an in vitro process in which a dye called neutral red is applied to the compound in question. The reaction of the substance can then be evaluated to determine if it will cause phototoxicity. The use of this test has been popularized as an alternative to animal testing.
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