3 days post op retinol ointment, I have red rash, itchy as a result. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I used retinol ointment over my enire cleavage and neck area for 3 days ( day and night) and came out in an itchy, red rash as a result. I didn't expose my skin to the sun at all. It was rainy, and I was covered up completely. Neck is clean but the whole cleavage, also breast are covered in red tiny spots. I stopped using the ointment, and resumed regular skin care routine. Is the rash going to disappear eventually?

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The chest is one of the thinnest and most sensitive areas of skin on the body. You cannot put on the chest what you do on the face, so basically you have created a contact dermatitis in the area, or red general irritation. Stop using anything with glycolic or acids in it. Stick to mild soap, like Dove, and then put a hydrocortisone on the area for a few days after cool water. Don't put anything else on it. If you want to use a retinol on your chest you need to lower the strength by more than half of what you put on your face and cover it immediately after with a high emollient cream. And only do it maybe once a week max."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot  
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person  
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

3 days post op retinol ointment, I have red rash, itchy as a result. Any suggestions? (photos)

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3 days post op retinol ointment, I have red rash, itchy as a result. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

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