bleach on face - #14148
I am really freaking out right now. Last week, I accidentally used bleach on my face when I was trying to do a little DIY skin brightening. I thought maybe it would help with some dark spots I have. Stupid, right? At first, my skin just felt tingly, but then it started to burn. I washed it off quickly but now I'm dealing with redness and peeling skin, ugh. I read some stuff online about how bleach on face can lead to serious damage, which makes me even more worried! I don’t even know if I should put anything on it or just leave it alone. Like, I heard that bleach on face can cause irritation and sensitivity. What if I really messed it up? Should I be seeing a doctor or just use aloe vera or something? Should I avoid any kind of moisturizer? My friends are telling me all sorts of things, but I just want to hear from a real doctor. It’s totally freaking me out! How long does it usually take for the skin to heal after using bleach on face? Any tips on how to manage this? I really need some advice fast!
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Doctors’ responses
Using bleach on your face can indeed lead to irritation and even chemical burns, so it’s good that you reacted swiftly by washing it off. Right now, your skin is likely sensitive and possibly damaged from the exposure, which explains the redness and peeling. First and foremost, avoid any further DIY treatments or harsh skincare products on that area, as they’ll likely exacerbate the problem. For immediate care, focus on keeping your skin clean and moisturized with products that are designed for sensitive skin. Look for a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer—something with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid can be soothing, but avoid those containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids, retinoids, or vitamin C in the affected area, as they can irritate it further. Aloe vera is generally safe and soothing, although patch test it on an unaffected area first to ensure there’s no reaction. Limit sun exposure, as sunlight can further irritate compromised skin, and use a gentle sunscreen specific for sensitive skin. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help reduce inflammation, but do not use it for more than a few days without consulting a doctor. Steer clear of cosmetics or makeup on the affected areas until your skin calms down. It typically takes about a week or two for such irritation to improve, but healing time can vary based on severity. If redness and peeling worsen or if situations like blistering or pain develop, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional might prescribe a topical treatment or provide specific advice tailored to the extent of the skin’s damage. Remember, self-treatments involving strong, chemical agents should be approached with caution. Better choices often exist for skin concerns like dark spots, including retinoids or proven brightening agents, under the guidance of a dermatologist.
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