“Tan that really doesn't want to go away?”
I've had this tan for close to a year now and it really just doesn't wanna go away I don't know what to do, I got it when I went to the beach in 2020 the first and last time I went out in 2020. I was quite pale because I hadn't gone out at all in 2020 and the first time I did was when I got to the beach and exposed to a lot of sun.
Now after a long time, the tan still doesn't wanna go away, I just need help figuring out why it has not gotten away. Does it mean I'm unhealthy? Does it mean I'm deficient in a vitamin? I notice that my scalp and pubic area pale.
And I also have bad posture it has been improving, and I feel like because of that the tan is fading a bit but I'm not sure.
I also do not go out in the sun really so I'm definitely not getting tanned over and over again.
Now after a long time, the tan still doesn't wanna go away, I just need help figuring out why it has not gotten away. Does it mean I'm unhealthy? Does it mean I'm deficient in a vitamin? I notice that my scalp and pubic area pale.
And I also have bad posture it has been improving, and I feel like because of that the tan is fading a bit but I'm not sure.
I also do not go out in the sun really so I'm definitely not getting tanned over and over again.
Male | 14 years old
Complaint duration: Close to a year
3 Answers
DermatologistDermatologist
If you are getting any sun exposure to these areas, they will remain darker than the surrounding skin. Think about it this way: if you touch a car in direct sunlight that has white paint and another next to it that has dark paint, which will be hotter? Yes, the dark one - so darker tones absorb more light. Your skin works the same way, and darker colors will absorb more light, so you need really good sun protection with clothing articles and sunblock all the time.
Hi,
I agree; usually a tan fades after two weeks or so. Persistent coloration may be the result of a minor yeast infection affecting the top layer of skin; sunlight often brings out this condition. I recommend visiting a local dermatologist to be evaluated. If a superficial yeast, the condition can be corrected by medications and the color should return to normal.
Stephen Schleicher, MD
I agree; usually a tan fades after two weeks or so. Persistent coloration may be the result of a minor yeast infection affecting the top layer of skin; sunlight often brings out this condition. I recommend visiting a local dermatologist to be evaluated. If a superficial yeast, the condition can be corrected by medications and the color should return to normal.
Stephen Schleicher, MD
It is not unusual for a sun tan to persist to some degree for years. My arms have a light short sleeves tan, but I have not exposed them for more than a year.
