What Doctors Don't Tell YouOver the counter topical NSAIDs may cause skin eruptions resembling eczema, say French researchers.
The report suggests that the effect can be severe, prolonged and extend beyond the area of skin to which the drug was applied. In addition, about a third of the reactions are photosensitive and so more common in the summer months.
The drug ketoprofen was cited as one likely to produce photosensitive reactions.
Skin reactions to NSAIDs are not well reported and doctors as well as patients may be unaware of the risk (Revue Prescrire, 2000; 9: 114).
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
