Facial Edema

The last time I posted [August 11, 2004: Regarding the effects of a super bad sunburn], I was in the midst of contending with the mysterious sunburn-induced change in facial features.  A week ago I went back to my doctor who had originally seen me for my sunburn and I told him my story about the aforementioned changes (namely my cheeks and nose still had a swollen appearance).  Upon hearing all of this, he visually determined that I was suffering from facial edema.  He said that because the sunburn caused my face to peel, there was much more extensive damage to the skin than he had previously anticipated.  Naturally, that he could diagnose my condition was a relief and, naturally, my next questions were with respect to what I could do get rid of this edema.  From college courses I vaguely remembered what edema was and so I asked if diuretics (OTC or prescription) would help.  Unfortunately, he said that facial edema (unlike general edema) doesn

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't know of any treatments for facial edema, nor do I know of any diet or exercise methods that are likely to help.  

The truth is that I don't really know what to make of your persistent facial edema, so I can't do much of a job at predicting how long it will last.  I don't recall seeing anyone with edema from a sunburn lasting this long.  Since the dermatologist feels he is seeing edema, you really should ask him what he thinks the prognosis is.  Diuretics don't play any role in localized edema.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff