SkyHigh

I know what you have and are still experiencing. Like you, I had a glycolic peel that, by medical standards, should not have cause severe facial burns. It has been 11 weeks and I am still under the care of my dermatologist. He says it could take 6-8 months to heal and maybe longer. What I don't understand is why your primary care doc would 'dig out' a scab. That normally causes scarring which you were trying to prevent. Also, nerves that a long time to heal. I have had nerve damage several times and while slow, some or all of the may come back to normal. It is unfortunate that things like this happen. Let's continue to remain educated and conservative when considering cosmetic procedures. I have seen many good results but have also seen disasters. It is truly a gamble as there are so many factors involved. Good luck....may you return to normal. From your pictures, you have come a long way.

Thank you so much for your reply. It is comforting to know that the 'Realself' readers care. Not that it makes a difference now but do you think that I should have started the Valtrex a few days before the peel and not the 'day of'? or do you think perhaps 500 mg wasn't strong enough to prevent the outbreak....if that is what happened? The dermatologist I'm seeing suspects either it wasn't a glycolic peel but instead it was a TCA and/or that it wasn't neutralized properly. What I am wondering now is, if there is permanent discoloration, can it be corrected and if so, how? Do you know anything about this.