How do I fix a chemical burn on my face?

Question

I'm thirteen years old and I have acne problems. My regular doctor prescribed a medicine for my acne, tretinoin cream 0.1%, and I began using that. About a week before he prescribed the medication, I began using Clearasil Ultra face wash. I continued using the clearasil when I began using the tretinoin cream. Two days of using the cream, my face gained more acne, burned, and began to peel. I stopped using both, but my face still burns and now it feels like leather.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

please see a cosmetic dermatologist with experience. also posting photos or a formal consultation will help decide what can be done.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Fredric Haberman, DO · Answer

I usually have my patients start tretinoin creamvery slowly and take 3-4 weeks to work up to daily use. Initially when topical tretinoin cream is applied the acne may get worse. That is precisely the reason that I do not start my patients on tretinoin cream. You need to be careful what you wash your skin with when using this product. I usually prescribe or dispense a special cleanser containing cetyl alcohol to be used prior to tretinoin applicationto avoid irritation and drying. I personally do not advise using a cleanser such as Clearasil Ultra Face Wash prior to topical tretinoin cream because it contains 2% salicylic acid which causes peeling. When these are use together the skin could dry and peel abd become quite uncomfortable. I prefer to use benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin in many of my patients and usually begin with benzoyl peroxide and add the tretinoin in about two weeks

Chad M. Hivnor, MD · Answer

First I would check with your dermatologist as each physician has their own approach to these problems and consistency is key.  As a general rule using a moisturizer like Cerave CREAM, not lotion, and a daily sunscreen with zinc oxide to help protect against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  You probably want start out the medications every other day.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

The best method to address a chemical burn is to see an expert ASAP. If treated early, your skin can heal up in no time. For now, please follow the above, and avoid any creams until it has healed. All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBRISBANE, Australia.

How do I fix a chemical burn on my face?

Answers (4)