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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Excoriation On Face
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Excoriation On Face
by Erin81, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
Hi,
I have a small patch of excoriation on my cheekbone under my left eye. This happened when I recently went on a trip to Africa and got some considerable sun exposure, which was new for me. Some patches of skin tanned noticeably darker than the rest of my face, and I foolishly scratched one, thinking I could "slough" off the tan. Now I have an exocoriation there that is much more noticeable than anything that was there before. I've learned my lesson, but it's been five months now since I've returned from my trip and there hasn't been any significant improvement to the excoriation. I'm starting to get concerned that it's not going to go away. I'm also concerned about subsequent sun damage caused to the area, and if that could be a reason why it's persisting. Should I just be patient? Is there anything I can do to make it go away sooner? Could I get it removed?
Thanks,
Erin
I have a small patch of excoriation on my cheekbone under my left eye. This happened when I recently went on a trip to Africa and got some considerable sun exposure, which was new for me. Some patches of skin tanned noticeably darker than the rest of my face, and I foolishly scratched one, thinking I could "slough" off the tan. Now I have an exocoriation there that is much more noticeable than anything that was there before. I've learned my lesson, but it's been five months now since I've returned from my trip and there hasn't been any significant improvement to the excoriation. I'm starting to get concerned that it's not going to go away. I'm also concerned about subsequent sun damage caused to the area, and if that could be a reason why it's persisting. Should I just be patient? Is there anything I can do to make it go away sooner? Could I get it removed?
Thanks,
Erin
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
Yes, just be patient. It's most unlikely that you caused any permanent damage either from the excoriation or from the subsequent sun exposure. Evening out pigment can take many months, and there's not much to do to help speed the process; less is more.
If there's still an issue in 6 months, show a doctor then to see what if anything should be done.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
If there's still an issue in 6 months, show a doctor then to see what if anything should be done.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
