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Have Sunburn On Face, Neck, Forearm. Taking Phentermine, Nortrel, Metformin. Reason For Weight Loss, Skin Darkening?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Apr 2013
Question: My skin feels like I have a light sunburn. I felt this way a while ago (2 weeks, maybe a little longer) as well, but that day I had been in the sun. Today I feel burned in all the same places (face, decolette, back of neck/upper back and forearms) but only my cheeks are redder than usual, and not like a sunburn, just flushed. My skin also feels irritated/dry but to a lesser degree in other areas that haven't been exposed at all lately such as my upper arms. My lips have been having trouble as well. A few days ago they were burning around the edges then the next day they were all dry and rough, then the next day they peeled off leaving tender soft skin behind then they started with the burning feeling around the edges again and getting a bit rough. They've been much darker red than usual. I haven't used any new cosmetics lately, I hardly use anything on my skin at all in general. I'm on no new medications, although I recently started on phentermine again and it is a tablet instead of a capsule, but at a lower dose. I think it started a week ago, I increased my spironolactone from 25 mg to 50 mg as well at the same time. Other medications I am on are bupropion 150 mg bid, folic acid 800 mg, metformin 500 mg qd, and nortrel 1/35 mg. I list the medications because they are the only changes I recognise besides the weather. I've also lost about 30 lbs mostly over the past 3 months.
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Answered by Dr. Nirmala P (6 hours later)
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for asking in XXXXXXX

You seem to be having photo sensitivity, probably to Bupropion. Photo sensitivity occurs in the exposed parts of skin. It is a sunburn-like cutaneous reaction resulting from drug induced sensitization of skin to UV radiation. Although rare, Bupropion can cause this side effect.

Of the drugs you are taking Nortrel can cause freckling or darkening of skin on face but not photo sensitivity.

The weight loss is due to Metformin.

You can try Demulcents like Glycerine on the affected parts. It also acts as an emollient and soothes the skin. Application of a mixture of olive oil and almond oil will help to reduce the redness of skin.

Please consult your treating physician, if the skin does not improve within 48 hours after applying Glycerine.

Also do not stop any medication without consulting your physician.

Hope this helps.

Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Nirmala P

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 458 Questions

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Have Sunburn On Face, Neck, Forearm. Taking Phentermine, Nortrel, Metformin. Reason For Weight Loss, Skin Darkening?

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for asking in XXXXXXX

You seem to be having photo sensitivity, probably to Bupropion. Photo sensitivity occurs in the exposed parts of skin. It is a sunburn-like cutaneous reaction resulting from drug induced sensitization of skin to UV radiation. Although rare, Bupropion can cause this side effect.

Of the drugs you are taking Nortrel can cause freckling or darkening of skin on face but not photo sensitivity.

The weight loss is due to Metformin.

You can try Demulcents like Glycerine on the affected parts. It also acts as an emollient and soothes the skin. Application of a mixture of olive oil and almond oil will help to reduce the redness of skin.

Please consult your treating physician, if the skin does not improve within 48 hours after applying Glycerine.

Also do not stop any medication without consulting your physician.

Hope this helps.

Regards.