As people age, medical problems often arise that require ongoing medication. Unfortunately, some medications can cause side effects that affect the skin or other organs. By understanding these common issues and working with your doctor to solve them, you can prevent needless health problems.

1) DIURETICS:

Examples: Lasix, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

What are diuretics?  Diuretics are medications that drain fluid from the body. They are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure or swelling related to congestive heart failure. When used in excess, they can cause dehydration and low potassium levels, both of which can affect the skin.

What can you do?

If you are taking a diuretic, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and monitor your potassium levels. If you have low potassium, your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement.

2) ANTIBIOTICS:

Examples: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin

Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections. While they are essential for treating many illnesses, overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance and other health problems. Antibiotics can also cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.

What can you do?

If you are taking antibiotics, make sure to use them for the full treatment period, even if you are feeling better.

3) ANTIDEPRESSANTS:

Examples: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)

Antidepressants work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. While they are generally safe and effective, they can sometimes cause skin problems. SSRIs and SNRIs are the most common culprits, but any type of antidepressant can cause skin irritation.

What can you do?

If you are taking an antidepressant and experience skin irritation, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend changing to another medication. If skin irritation is mild, try taking your antidepressant with food or switching to a low-potency steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone.

4) ANTIHISTAMINES:

Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Hydroxyzine (Atarax)

Antihistamines are medications used to treat allergies. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical that is released in response to allergens. While antihistamines are generally safe and effective, they can sometimes cause skin problems.

What can you do?

If you are taking an antihistamine and experience skin problems, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend changing to another medication, switching to a liquid form of the drug, or taking it at a different time of day. If skin irritation is mild, try taking your antihistamine with food or switching to a low-potency steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone.

5) ANTI-OXIDANTS:

Examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Succinylcholine, Niacinamide

Antioxidants are nutrients that block oxygen radicals–unstable compounds that can damage cells. While antioxidants are essential for health, they can also cause skin problems if taken in excess.

What can you do?

If you are taking antioxidants and experience skin problems, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend changing to another medication, decreasing your dosage, or switching to a liquid form of the drug. If skin irritation is mild, try taking your antioxidant with food or switching to a low-potency steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone.

6) STATINS:

Examples: Lovastatin (Mevacor), Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Statins are medications used to lower cholesterol. While they are generally safe and effective, they can sometimes cause skin problems. Statins are the most common culprits.

What can you do?

If you are taking a statin and experience skin problems, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend changing to another medication, decreasing your dosage, or switching to a liquid form of the drug. If skin irritation is mild, try taking your statin with food or switching to a low-potency steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone.

While skin problems are common among seniors, there are many things you can do to help prevent them. If you are experiencing skin irritation, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend changing to another medication, decreasing your dosage, or switching to a liquid form of the drug. If skin irritation is mild, try taking your medication with food or switching to a low-potency steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone.