How to take care of an infected area of the face after a laser resurfacing? (Photo)

Question

I had laser resurfacing 2 weeks ago, on day 6 post the procedure I wore make because I had to go to a seminar for work, Later that night and the next day blisters developed and I continued to try to keep the areas that blistered clean and I kept vaniply on them. The rest of the face I used vanicream. When I went back to see my doctor for week the 2 post procedure, he was very concerned. He gave me a antibiotic topical. This was 2 days ago and it's not looking any better .. Any suggestions?

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

sorry this happened. Im not sure exactly what kind of laser was used to treat the facial skin but if this was a laser with setting intended to give u skin peeling affects then i would have advised not to wear makeup at all until all the skin has fully healed. anyhow, your best bet is to stick with your current doctor's advise and follow exactly what they recommend. I have been working with fractional lasers for a while now and Im well trained in their use. such complications can happen. the key is to recognize them early on and proceed accordingly

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Typically, the best recommendation is to follow the instructions of your treating board certified surgeon. Infections are typically treated with oral and topical antibiotics with cultures taken in most cases.  
Preventing infection is the best course of action, however.  When applying make-up after laser resurfacing this should not be done until your surgeon says it's safe to do so, and then you should use new (unused) make-up because used make-up may have bacteria in the container.
I hope this helps.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

This delayed complication following laser resurfacing is usually due to a gram negative infection or yeast infection.  It is usually best treated with Cipro 500 mg orally twice a day, Garamycin Ointment 3 times a day and Lotrimin Cream  3 times a day.  It would be be to see your doctor and have a skin culture taken prior to beginning therapy.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

You likely have a herpetic zoster outbreak which needs to be cultured and put on Valtrex, not antibiotics. You will not develop blisters 6 days later , this is the classic for the time that herpetic lesions show up. Blisters from burns will develop 24 hours after the laser , not 6 days .....If you waited to see your physician after the lesions are partially healed (2 weeks post treatment ) then it makes the diagnosis of herpetic outbreak more difficult

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Your doctor will know best, as he would have taken swabs, and placed you on antivirals and abs. Dressings are important, I like a bland emollient, plus weak vinegar soaks. If the swabs are negative your Specialist may place you on a 3 day course of topical potent cs. Be guided by your specialist as he or she can see your progress, take care. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

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