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Melasma and Sun Spots After Accutane?
asked 1 year ago by lildiv in Burwood
Latest answer by Emily Altman, MD
Question viewed 858 times
Tags: melasma, sun spots
I have now been off accutane for 2 years. I started to get dark brown spots on my neck and even some hidden areas of the body as soon as I stopped accutane.Also melasma on both sides of my faces after a year. I have had full body checked up for melasma (blood tests, hormonal tests etc) everything is normal. I know I have been left highly sun-sensitive as a side effect of this but when will this stop??? PLEASE HELP! I dont go outdoors, wear spf 60+ and have stopped wearing make-up.
3 answers to Melasma and Sun Spots After Accutane?
+1
Melasma and sun spots after Accutane?
Two factors that greatly affect melasma are hormones and sun exposure. While it's true that Accutane does make you more sun sensitive, this photosensitivity only lasts a couple of months after finishing the course of Accutane.
Also, melasma on the neck is pretty rare. However other things like for example a common yeast infection of the skin, Tinea Versicolor, can affect the neck, chest and upper back areas and will also look like brown spreading spots on the skin...
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+1
This is not from Accutane
Accutane actually improves melasma in many patients. It certainly should not be blamed for melasma one year after discontinuation. As far as the dark spots on your body, I would suggest you be evaluated for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from possible contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, or eczema.
+1
Accutane side effects
Almost all of the side effects from Accutane (isotretinoin) are temporary and occur only when taking the medication. There is no evidence that Accutane would cause melasma. You would not have been left sun-sensitive after completing Accutane. Patients who are taking Accutane are usually advised to use sun protection and sunscreens because the medication will temporarily make the outer dead skin cell layer more compact, meaning sunlight will penetrate more easily, but...
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Timothy G. Rodgers, MD
Dallas Dermatologist
Dallas Dermatologist