How to get "angry" skin calmed after Vaseline allergy on neck and chest post fractional CO2 laser?

Question

I had fractional CO2 laser treatment 4 days ago on my face, neck, and chest. Skin on neck and chest reacted poorly to Vaseline. Red raised bumps/rash. On call weekend dr. recommended I discontinue and switch to the gentle moisturizer provided by my dr. I do not think it is enough and my skin is EXTREMELY dry, red, and overall just angry. What can I do to calm my skin back down. Face is healing great. Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about after care. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Typically I recommend adding clear and brilliant, fraxel, viva 4-6 weeks after co2 to improve results along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Shobhan Manoharan, MBBS, FACD · Answer

Inflammatory reactions post fractionated ablative laser, especially on the chest is not too uncommon, and is sometimes due to irritation from the moisturiser used, or an acne-type reaction due to the occlusive nature of these moisturisers.  A combination of a lighter moisturiser, oral antibiotics being used as antiinflammatories, and moderate strength steroid ointment usually settles things down.  Go back to your treating practitioner for a review and management.  Best wishes, Shobhan.

How to get "angry" skin calmed after Vaseline allergy on neck and chest post fractional CO2 laser?

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How to get "angry" skin calmed after Vaseline allergy on neck and chest post fractional CO2 laser?

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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