Messed Up Chemical Peel? (photo)

Question

Hi I did a 50 percent chemical peel on my leg and it burned and I washed it off its been 5 days and I ripped of the dead skin the problem is I can't even walk because I'm in so much pain like my foot feels like it's cramping and my skin in red and clear liquid is coming out and it's red and kinda bleeding what did I do??? I'm so scared!! And it's super itchy and scratching it makes it worse! Should i go to the emergency room I can't walk it's to painful

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The first step would be to go to a burn specialist to heal the wounds. The second stage would be to begin topical skin lighteners such as Melarase to reduce discoloration. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

A. David Rahimi, MD · Answer

You have a superficial burn that can get infected. Please see a Dermatologist. You will also need oral antibiotics an a topical cream called Silvadene (if you are not allergic to it).

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

I certainly hope you went to see a specialist and that you are being treated. Open wounds may not only scar, but you also run the risk of sepsis - very dangerous indeed and can be life threatening. 

	The hazards of self-administered chemical peels are very evident from your photos. Thank you for sharing them. Although your personal experience is terrible, your sharing on this site may save 100's or 1,000's of people from attempting the same thing.

	Please let us know how you progress. I am truly sorry you have had this unfortunate experience. It is sadly likely you will have permanent scarring and discoloration.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Doing at home chemical peels can be dangerous. All chemical peel should be preformed by a licensed aesthetician or a doctor. Please go see a doctor as soon as possible to treat your burn.

	Chemical peels create a controlled burn on the skin; when not preformed correctly they can be very dangerous and cause scarring. When you apply a chemical peel it can feel uncomfortable and you may possibly experience a burning sensation but putting water on it to wash it off can be a bad idea as some peels are reactivated with water. This probably caused the peel to penetrate even deeper into the tissue causing a severe burn. Ripping the dead skin off after was also a bad idea because the body was trying to heal and protect the exposed skin underneath, by removing that you caused even more damage.

	After consulting with your doctor and the burn is fully healed you will need to make sure to apply sunscreen to the area on a regular basis to protect from even more damage or discoloration. Also you will most likely be left with hyper or hypo pigmentation and scarring; please consult an aesthetician or your doctor for any future cosmetic treatments.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You sure did "mess up"!!! NEVER, ever self treat!!! Best to seek immediate care from a licensed doctor. This should be treated as a burn wound that has become infected. Scarring is the next event you will see.

Messed Up Chemical Peel? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: At home chemical peels can be dangerous!

Answer: At home chemical peels can be dangerous!

Answer: Messed Up Chemical Peel?

Answer: Messed Up Chemical Peel?

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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Messed Up Chemical Peel? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: At home chemical peels can be dangerous!

Answer: At home chemical peels can be dangerous!

Answer: Messed Up Chemical Peel?

Answer: Messed Up Chemical Peel?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.