What type of medication is known to treat inflammation but may also cause photosensitivity?

The correct answer is NSAIDs, which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications are primarily used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and lower fever. A notable characteristic of some NSAIDs is their potential to cause photosensitivity, which means that they can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn or rashes when exposed to UV light.

This side effect occurs because NSAIDs can affect various skin layers and their response to UV rays. Patients taking NSAIDs are often advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen or protective clothing when outdoors, to mitigate the risk of photosensitivity reactions.

Other types of medications mentioned, like antibiotics and corticosteroids, can also have side effects, but photosensitivity is more closely associated with NSAIDs. Antibiotics may cause various skin reactions, and corticosteroids can lead to thinning of the skin with prolonged use, but neither class is particularly known for inducing photosensitivity in the same way as NSAIDs. Narcotics primarily focus on pain relief and do not typically cause photosensitivity.