Benzamycin burn

My dermatologist recommended that I apply Benzamycin to cure mold/moderate acne. Four days ago, I applied a small amount on my face and the next day my face was fine. I didn't apply any on the next day. I applied a bit two days ago at night, and when I woke up and my face was red, dry, and itchy. I haven't applied any since then, but my face has remained red and itchy. Then when I came home today evening I saw that there is a very dark red/purplish mark on each side of my face along the jawline/neck. I was shocked because they look almost like huge bloody scars. These marks aren't bumpy or painful, just very dark.

What can I do to treat these marks and the redness/itchiness on the rest of my face? Will it get worse? How long will it take to recover??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis to the Benzamycin cream or fixed drug eruption due to the topical cream. FDE or fixed drug eruption may fade slowly and so may take a long time to go away. Although they resolve spontaneously but an oral antihistamine (e.g., hydroxyzine) and a topical corticosteroid may be needed. I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.