Can Pill Make My Tan Blotchy?

Sep 30 2007 DR GARETH SMITH

Q I WENT on holiday to Ibiza with my friends. We had a great time but when I came back I noticed my tan is really patchy on my face with a lot of really dark bits. I normally tan well and the only thing different this year is that I was on the contraceptive pill. Could this have affected my tan?

A SOMETIMES an alteration in hormone levels - either through the pill or due to pregnancy - can cause the condition cholasma which results in darker, hyperpigmented areas, usually on exposed skin such as the face.

In your case unless you are pregnant or were putting your sunscreen on in an odd way, it is probably the pill.

It should fade with your tan but in some cases women need to bleach the area with skin lighteners.

If it doesn't clear up, speak to your GP and avoid using sunbeds as they will make it much worse.