Why is my Skin on my Neck and Chest Itching One Month After Fraxel Restore?

Question

My face does not itch, just neck and chest area. It has been 2 months since fraxel restore on my chest, 1 month on my neck.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Itching is not abnormal as skin heals, even from a mild laser such as Fraxel Restore. However, patients may have itching immediately postoperatively from Fraxel Restore and blame it on the laser but their itching can be a manifestation of allergy to a numbing cream if it was applied to the skin prior to the laser. This would not cause itching for weeks after the treatment. Long standing itching might be related to topical creams you're using now such as moisturizer, sunscreen or any other ointments. See your doctor.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

While it is impossible from this distance to know why you are itching2 months after your chest treatment there are several possibilities to explore. 1) the most likely is a contact dermatitis either to the numbing cream used prior to the the treatment or to the postoperative creams. As a member of the American Contact Dermatitis association we can patch test you and help you find creams that won't cause an allergic reaction. This is important as you will probably need to repeat the Fraxel procedure again and you don't want to have the itching again.2) this can be dryness status post the procedure 3) this can be a sign of a complication like infection or early keloid formation. Therefore the best thing for you to do is to go back to the dermatologist - ideally who originally treated you- to help diagnose the etiology of your itching to get it better quickly . This way it is less likely to come back with the next treatment.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

After any laser resurfacing, including Fraxel Restore, there may be some itching. It is part of the healing phase and the chest seems to itch more than face or neck. Having said that I feel that itching 2 months after a procedure is due to another cause, most likely topical products that are being applied to the area. Try stopping everything and applying an over the counter hydrocortisone cream for a few days. Use a mild product such as Cetaphyl cleanser and lotion. If you do not see improvement it is time to check with a dermatologist, you may be allergic and need stronger treatment.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

The neck and chest skin is slower to heal. It is not uncommon for dryness and slight itch to persist in some patients, especially if they tend to have sinus allergies, asthma, etc. Try taking an antihistamine, avoiding heat, especially hot showers, and use a good lubricating fragrance free body lotion.

Why is my Skin on my Neck and Chest Itching One Month After Fraxel Restore?

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