Darkening of Skin while on Accutane

I am an African American woman on accutane. I have noticed that my face is gradually becoming darker than the rest of my body. I'm in my 3rd week and already my face is about 3 shades darker than the rest of my body. Is this normal? I have not had any other side effects aside from the normal lip chapping.


This discussion is related to Accutane and Pigmentation/Genital Bumps.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The Mayo Clinic reports there have been reports of skin discoloration of either lightening or darkening, and facial redness after use of Accutane , but the incidence of occurrence of these side effects is unknown. What you are having are side effects of the drug Accutane and when you are taking Accutane, you should avoid going out in the sun.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[blacwidow]

I promise to keep you posted. I met with my doctor but he wasn't really able to give me any info on the matter. I'm figuring that oftentimes people complain of their skin looking sunburned and that as a Black woman who is rather brown that the darkening is similar to what would be considered sunburn but I am not sure. I don't go out in the sun often and when I do I am sure to wear sunscreen (50spf) However I would like to know if the darkening stays permanent are there options available to lighten my face later so that it matches the rest of my body. I was considering having laser resurfacing six months after my course of accutane to help reduce and or remove some ice pick, boxcar and rolling acne scars I have. Do you think the resurfacing will lighten my complexion as well?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without treatment, this usually takes about 6 months to resolve and for the skin color to go back to its normal color.  Topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option but pros and cons should be discussed with a doctor first.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations, and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.

[oratreatment]

Hi guys I also seem to be experiencing the same problem of skin darkening.. How is your skin now, and what did u use?