Talk Cancer

Question:

Hi, I’ll be finishing my first ever course of Accutane in early March.  I plan on going to Florida about two weeks after finishing.  Am I still at serious risk for sunburn even 2 weeks after completion?  Or is that reasonably enough time for my skin’s UV defenses to revert back to normal, at least somewhat?  I’m a relatively dark-skinned person who tans rather easily and very quickly.  I usually don’t need sunscreen, but get a very mild sunburn every now and then.  I really do want a nice healthy tan and don’t want to wear my sweatshirt and jeans on the beach all week (Please, I know about the risks of sun and skin cancer, that’s for another day…) Thanks for any information! d1zz

Response:

I find it funny when people mutter the words "healthy tan". I really don’t believe there is such a thing All I can offer to you is to take standard precautions when going out in the sun – cover up. Two weeks is too soon in my opinion, the medication to my knowledge still has an effect up to 3 months after completion. Do yourself a favour, get a lotion if you want the ‘healthy’ look. I’m not trying to be rude, I just don’t think that tanning is ever a great idea, especially so soon after Accutane. Regards, Clint Dempster

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