Peeled skin after sunburn, is it bad? (Photo)

Question

A couple days after getting sunburnt, I noticed my forehead was flaky. I was scratchhing it and it started peeling and I peeled off all the loose skin. Now there's a lightlyy colored patch of what I assume is fresh/raw skin with red spots. How bad is it and how long will it take to recover? Should I let it heal naturally or use products or medication?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit a board certified plastic surgeon's office for a skin evaluation.  The trained experts in the med spa can examine your skin and recommend the appropriate products to promote healing and protection for your skin going forward.

Derakhsh Fozouni, MD · Answer

Great question. It is not advice to peel off the skin under any circumstance but, there are things you can do to assist your natural healing process and to avoid further damage. From your picture, it looks like a moderate sunburn. To prevent secondary damage, the first aspect to consider is to be very strict with your SPF 40+ and reapply at least every 2 hours. This will prevent further damage and will assist with skin repair. You may want to consider a mineral sunscreen since it is less irritating to the skin and area around the eyes. 2nd, you want to keep your skin hydrated topically with a gently moisturizer at all times. There are different brands drugstore and medical grade but, make sure you choose a rich moisturizer with ceramides and NO fragrance. Avoid fragrance and essential oils. Avoid using ANY exfoliant whether physical or chemical (no acids) for at least a couple of weeks to allow your skin barrier repair.
Dot not use vitamin C until your skin is completely healed. If your skin allows (does not tingle or burn) you may benefit from using a niacinamide lotion or cream to avoid hyperpigmentation to the affected area. 
Good luck!
kmrn

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photo, I note that your outer epidermis is peeling due to ultraviolet radiation injury (sunburn). Fortunately, it appears superficial. It will heal with little to no scarring over the next few weeks or so. We recommend the use of a moisturizer to lessen the tendency to scratch the itch and further traumatize the skin until the peeling has subsided. We strongly recommend the future use of a sunblock when exposed to the sun. Repeated sunburns will increase the risk of later skin cancer. Global warming will most likely increase this risk.Best wishes...

Peeled skin after sunburn, is it bad? (Photo)

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Peeled skin after sunburn, is it bad? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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