Why do i get severe sunburn?

What is ST JOHN'S WORT? Identification name: Hypericum perforatum L. Family: Hypericaceae Habitat: native to Europe Key chemical constituents: it contains anthraquinone derivatives, flavonoids, prenylated phloroglucinols, tannins. Specifically, hypericin is antidepressant, antiviral, antineoplastic, phototoxic; kaempferol is antioxidant, antibacterial; quercetin is chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antibacterial, antioxidant, antineoplastic, radical scavenger; hyperforin is an antidepressant that increases reuptake inhibitor including serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and of GABA and glutamate; caffeic acid is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic. Properties and uses: it has sedative and astringent activity; antidepressant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial effects. It is used for anxiety, mild to moderate depression, neuralgia, fibrositis, sciatica, wounds, menopausal neurosis. Curiosity: to recognize this plant, just look at the small leaves against light, you will see the numerous transparent dots, similar to many small holes, from which the name of “perforatum”. Traditionally, it was used for wound healing, spinal injuries, dermatitis, bruises, shingles. Hypericin is eliminated by half from the body in 25-27 hours. Caution: it may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, hypomania, allergic reactions, dizziness, dry mouth, restlessness, sleep disturbances. High doses may cause hypersensitivity to sunlight in fair-skinned people. It can decrease the plasma concentrations of alprazolam, amitriptyline, cyclosporine, dextromethorphan, digoxin, indinavir, irinotecan, oral contraceptives, simvastatin, and warfarin. In large doses it may potentiate monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Long-term use for more than 12 weeks has not been studied.

Sara is 18 years old. She has a fair complexion, blue eyes, and blonde hair. She presents with a severe sunburn. She just started a new summer job 2 days ago with typical sun exposure. Normally, she gets sunburn easily, but this time was worse than normal for the same amount of sun exposure. She experienced a painful erythema with prickling and burning sensation on her hands, forearms, neck, and face within hours of starting her new job at an outdoor garden and greenhouse. The symptoms continued to worsen until next day. Sara’s exaggerated sunburn could be the result of a phototoxic reaction, caused by chemicals that came from plants at her job. These chemicals are photosensitizers which deposit on skin, and when they absorb enough ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength, energy is emitted, which then damages the surrounding tissue. Phototoxicity can also occur using complementary medications like ST JOHN'S WORT; or prescription medications that have photosensitizing properties such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, retinoid drugs, antifungals, diuretics, oral contraceptives, antipsychotics. Sara should limit contact with plant photosensitizers and reduced exposure to the sun. She should wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves when working with plants. She may also need to use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30 or SPF50 to protect her sensitive skin from UVB and UVA radiation.

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