face and body whitening cream - #16498
I am really confused and a bit worried about this whole face and body whitening cream thing. A few months ago, I saw some ads online, and honestly, I got tempted. My skin tone is fine, but every now and then I feel like it could be a bit more even, dunno if it’s just me or society's pressure or what. Anyway, I decided to try this face and body whitening cream and WOW, the first week I thought it was working wonders. My friends even started to notice, which felt kinda good I guess. But then, a couple weeks in, I started getting these weird red patches on my arms and my face felt kind of itchy. I stopped using it but now I’m left with these odd spots! Now I’m wondering, is there any chance this face and body whitening cream is doing perment damage or can I fix it? And how do I know if it’s common reactions or if I should freak out? Really hoping I didn’t mess up my skin for good. Do you guys think I should see a dermatologist or can I just use some over-the-counter creams? It's like I'm stuck between wanting to be light and not ruining my skin, ugh. Any advice would help!
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Doctors’ responses
Using face and body whitening creams can sometimes lead to complications due to ingredients that may not be suitable for everyone. It’s possible that the cream you used contained substances like hydroquinone, mercury, or potent steroids, which can cause irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction, especially if used frequently or over large areas of skin. The red patches and itchiness you’re experiencing are certainly signs that your skin didn’t react well to the product. It’s good you’ve stopped using it. As for whether there’s any permanent damage, most of these reactions aren’t permanent if addressed properly, but ignoring them can sometimes lead to more serious issues like chronic irritation or skin thinning. At this point, it’s definitely wise to consult a dermatologist. A specialist can assess your skin condition, perhaps with an exam and based on your symptoms, determine if the irritation is superficial or if it’s affected deeper layers of skin. Over-the-counter creams with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or hydrocortisone can sometimes help with mild irritation, but these won’t address underlying issues if there’s a deeper reaction happening. Your dermatologist might prescribe a specific topical treatment or recommend an allergy test to pinpoint the cause. In the meantime, avoid further use of any unverified skin creams and embrace gentle skincare focused on moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier. Also, steer clear from harsh chemicals and strong exfoliants that can aggravate your skin further. If you notice your symptoms worsening or developing into open sores or severe pain, seek medical attention promptly.
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