how to treat chemical peel burn on face - #18275
I am freaking out here because I think I messed up my chemical peel. I went to a spa last week for a treatment, which I thought would be amazing for my skin, but now my face is burning like crazy!! I followed all the aftercare instructions—no sweating, no sun—but I guess I didn’t wait long enough before applying my usual moisturizer. Ugh! I saw some redness but thought it was normal, but now I got these blisters and it’s really painful, like how to treat chemical peel burn on face is all I can think about. I called the spa and they said to just let it heal, but that sounds way too simple for what I’m dealing with right now. Has anyone dealt with a chemical peel burn before? Seriously, how to treat chemical peel burn on face effectively without making it worse? I tried aloe, but it just stings. I’m super worried this is gonna scar or something. Should I be putting ice on it or what? I mean, is there like a special cream or something I should be using? I just wanna know how to treat chemical peel burn on face and get my skin back to normal! Please help!!
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Doctors' responses
It sounds like you’ve developed a burn from your chemical peel, which can happen if your skin’s reaction to the treatment is more intense than expected. These burns can vary in severity, ranging from mild irritation to more serious blistering. Noticing blisters and significant pain suggests this might be more than just a mild irritation and needs more specific care. Firstly, stop using any products on your face that aren’t gentle or soothing. Aloe is often a ‘go-to’, but if it stings, you should pause its use right away. Using cool compresses can help soothe the burning sensation—gently apply a damp, cool washcloth to your face for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream might be helpful for reducing inflammation, but it’s crucial to apply only a thin layer and not for prolonged periods. Avoid ice as it can cause more harm to already sensitive skin. Keep your skin moisturized with a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent dryness—look for products with ceramides or hyaluronic acid for added hydration without causing irritation. Sun protection is essential, though continue to stay indoors as much as you can to allow the skin to heal. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that’s specifically formulated for the face if you have to be outside. It’s really important you don’t pop any blisters; doing so can increase the risk of infection or scarring. Speaking of which, keeping an eye on infection signs is vital—watch out for increasing redness, pus, or a fever. In cases of significant discomfort, redness that doesn’t improve, or concern about scarring, seeking medical evaluation is a good step. A healthcare professional can assess the severity more precisely and might prescribe medication or specific treatments to support your skin recovery.
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