Plaquenil and skin discoloration

Meld256 · July 06, 2011, 02:17:22 AM

I believe this has been mentioned a while back, but thought I'd ask again who has gotten small brown spots on their skin after sun exposure?

I've been on Plaquenil about 2 months, and it has helped my knee/back pain, which is wonderful! I also had read that this drug can increase sun sunsitivity. I try to limit my sun exposure; I'm fair and burn easily anyway, and I can't stand the heat.

I've gone swimming twice lately (well, mostly played in the pool) and the first time used a wimpy SPF15 sunscreen. I came home finding little light brown spots near my hairline and on my face, and a few everywhere. Next time I used the stronger guns, a waterproof SPF50 and still got a few. Granted, this is a small complaint compared to the benefits I'm seeing.

I won't worry too much about a spot here or there. I also have freckles, so maybe they'll blend in.

How many others have seen this? Is this common?

gurs · July 06, 2011, 03:46:32 AM

This is very common side effect of Plaquenil...brown spots all over. They go away if they medication is stopped, but if its helping you,
would stay on it. There are not many medications for SS, and the side effects on the others are hard to tolerate- for me anyways.

Gursie

Meld256 · July 06, 2011, 04:45:26 AM

Gursie,

Thanks for letting me know this is common. I don't mean to sound vain, I guess I was just surprised these popped out so quickly.
I feel very grateful that I'm able to tolerate the med, and that it's helping. I'm not even thinking of stopping it over a few spots! I'll be spotty all over if necessary as long as I don't have the knee pain back.

I'll just wear a good sunscreen all the time and maybe invest in a cute hat.

Diane54 · July 06, 2011, 10:14:40 AM

When I went to the doctor last week for my ear infection, he told me I had a brown pigment spot on the inside of my cheek when he looked in my mouth.....he said it looked like nothing to worry about but.....of course it is always in the back of my mind!

BUSYLIZZY · July 06, 2011, 11:36:18 AM

I have large brown blotches on my neck, which has increased since diagnosis and starting of meds. Don't know if it is totally from the plaquenil, but as I said it has spread. All the doctor said was it was a rash attributed to Sjogrens and gave no soultions. I do get in the sun a good bit. I like to fish with my husband and we go to our grandson's baseball games, It does not matter if you have an umbrella, a wide brim hat, or an awning to sit under, you still are exposed to the sun. As long as it does not onset a "flare" or is harmful, I can deal with a rash.

I hope you find a good soultion for yours. Please share any remedies you know of.

Thanks!
BUSYLIZZY

Bucky · July 06, 2011, 12:33:53 PM

Bucky raising hand . . . me, me, me! Yep, I seem to have permanent brown spots in a cluster on either side of my neck and a little patch in the v-part of my shirt.

It's a bit aggravating to me, since I like to wear my hair up in the summer and I'm self conscious of these spots. No one has ever asked me what they are, though.

I had gotten these last year (or was it the year before?) when I had gone out mowing. I had even used suntan lotion! It's kinda weird that it's only on either side of my neck - not my whole neck.

I'm fair-skinned too - so, I burn easily. For the most part, I try and avoid the sun as best I can.

Bucky

BUSYLIZZY · July 06, 2011, 02:27:07 PM

BUCKY, IS YOUR RASH BUMPY OR FLAT?

Cheryl · July 06, 2011, 02:56:52 PM

I get the hyperpigmentation, too, but it is mostly on just my arms. Instead of brown spots, I get solid dark brown arms, but I have little spots on my arms with NO pigment, so there are white polka dots.

Shade · July 06, 2011, 03:25:01 PM

Quote from: Cheryl on July 06, 2011, 02:56:52 PM
I get the hyperpigmentation, too, but it is mostly on just my arms. Instead of brown spots, I get solid dark brown arms, but I have little spots on my arms with NO pigment, so there are white polka dots.

I get these now on my arms and legs and I'm not on Plaquenil.

Bucky · July 06, 2011, 05:34:15 PM

Lizzy - mine are flat. Are yours?

IF I can get my son to take a picture, maybe I can post it on here.

Bucky

Bucky · July 06, 2011, 06:50:01 PM

Here are two pictures my son took:

Bucky

williak · July 06, 2011, 07:00:33 PM

Bucky,

I have those kind of pigment variations on my arms. I am doing water aerobics and the spots just popped out. Ther are som brown spots and some spots with no color. Sjogrens...the gift that keeps on giving

Meld256 · July 06, 2011, 08:48:51 PM

So...guess it's fairly common for us to get "spotty" and rashes.

I've never been vigilant about using sunscreen until the last few years. Now I'm trying to remember to use it EVERY day. The spots that appeared around my eyebrow make me think my face is dirty.

Bucky, your neck looks a little like mine. I've had a little rash on both sides for a year or so; about the time all the health issue "goodies" started in earnest. Oh, well...like you say, BuzzyLizzy, I can deal with a rash too, as long as I'm feeling pretty well.
I realize sun exposure happens even with a hat, umbrella, etc.

Maybe I am just a bit vain.

I've enjoyed finally getting rid of the acne I dealt with most of my life, and now I'm spotty. Just a mild annoyance. Interesting that others have this, too.

Thanks and take care, everyone.
Melinda

gurs · July 07, 2011, 03:49:57 AM

Hormones can cause these changes too...Ive always had the brown spots on my face, even without taking any hormones, etc..like birth control pills or HRT, my entire
family has had them?? Now, Im on estrogen and they are horrible and I dont even go outside? I have them all over my body...face, neck, arms, legs...

I know some adrenal disorders can cause pigment changes too.

I used to be soooooo vain too...but now, after losing most of my hair, and have a fat face from steriods, and have aged 20 years since my hysterectomy,
the brown spots are nothing compared to the other issues? I know, for us woman, its a nightmare especially.

Gursie

BUSYLIZZY · July 07, 2011, 08:21:46 AM

thanks all. Yes, Bucky, mine looks like yours. I just use a little more makeup on my neck. Mine does have a bumpy texture, but not like acne. I tan real easily, so I have it on my arms and chest, but the tan covers it up. for some reason, the rash on my neck is more prominent, and I have noticed that at times it is red. Strange things we go through isn't it! I had thought about going to a dermatologist but these days it is hard to get an appointment with one and none in my area will file insurance. Besides, like everyone else, I go to enough doctors.

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