The Artifical Sun

[withering.to.death]

So I live up in Canada, and as everyone knows the winters can get pretty cold. There is also little sun during this time, so we become very pale. I have never actually considered going to a tanning spa; I have always liked having a fair skin. But now I'm thinking that I wouldn't actually mind going, to maintain my summer tan and a nice tone. I was just wondering if Lamictal would cause any problems with this. Do you think my skin would get a rash, or become extremely irritated?

[AnneMarie]

If it's your first year on Lamictal, I wouldn't go there. If you've been on it longer, then the wisdom is probably more about your skin sensitivity to the sun. If you burn easily, I wouldn't try it. If you're on any other meds that increase sun sensitivity, I wouldn't try it. If you burn but it takes a lot, maybe try it out with very, very short sessions to begin. In addition to rash, I think (but can't remember exactly) that Lamictal is one of those meds that increases sun sensitivity.

[nalgas]

In addition to rash, I think (but can't remember exactly) that Lamictal is one of those meds that increases sun sensitivity.

I can't remember off the top of my head if it does anything specifically along those lines, but plenty of ACs can, and Lamictal does have a tendency to cause skin problems. It's worth being cautious with stuff like that until you know how you react on whatever meds you're on; I acquired some fun permanent skin damage from too much sun while on ACs (although not Lamictal). My dermatologist's current advice is basically along the lines of "try not to get skin cancer and die". Heh.