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Permanent Damage from Sunburn While on Accutane?
I've been on Accutane for about 3 months. Unfortunately, I got badly sunburned last week while playing golf. To make matters worse, I went running this morning in pants. Now my legs have many small blisters or little air pockets! What should I do? Have I caused permanent damage?
Asked 33 months ago by
newburystreet in Boston, Mass
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Sunburn 2nd degree - usually no permanent damage
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Permanent damage from sunburn on accutane
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Not Permanent
There is nothing special about a sun burn while on Accutane and one while you are not on Accutane. Accutane does lower your threshold for sunburns.
For sunburns I like alternating Biafine (which was developed in France for radiation dermatitis) and a mid strength corticosteroid. If the sunburn is severe, then an intramuscular injection of steroids would be beneficial. Aspirin, due to its anit-inflammatory properties also helps.
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Permanent scarring from sunburn while on Accutane unlikely
Your description does not sound like it will lead to permanent scarring. Obviously you need to take great care to avoid the sun while you have the sunburn, but if you take care of yourself and remain out of the sun for the next week or so, you should heal fine. In the future you need to be more diligent about covering yourself while outside.
Use A minimum 30 sunscreen applied multiple times daily when outside.
Use full body coverage for your clothes, linen, cotton and other light fabrics...
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Most sunburns from Accutane won't cause permanent damage
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Be careful with Accutane and sun damage
While scarring due to surgery and other procedures is increased while taking Isotretinoin (and for six months afterwards), it does not sound like your sunburn is severe enough to cause scarring.
I would highly recommend using a sunscreen on a daily basis with at least an SPF of 30 or higher. When you know that you'll be in the sun (i.e., when golfing) apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher and reapply every 2 hours.
In the meantime, for your current sunburn, apply a heavy...
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Sunburn more likely when on Accutane or oral antibiotics for acne
Both Accutane and oral antibiotics for acne can make you more prone to have sunburn. Consistent daily sun protection and reapplying high SPF sunscreen every 2 hours between 10am-4pm when outdoors are critical. You may experience prolonged post-inflammatory redness or pigmentation after a sunburn which will slowly fade with frequent emollient application and adherence to daily sun protection. Unfortunately, every sunburn makes you more prone to develop skin cancers such as melanoma....
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