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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Problem with skin peeling
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.
Problem with skin peeling
by D Waldo, Dec 14, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 38 yr old male and have been under a doctor's care for a serious acne problem for more than 15 years. I have been prescribed retin-a micro and erythromycin. The last week of October I attended an outdoor sporting event and got a serious sunburn on the right side of my face. I let the burn heal on its own. During the healing process the skin peeled several times and took about 2 or 3 weeks for the redness to fully disappear. My problem is that to this day the peeling has not only not stopped but has spread to the left side of my face which got very little sun. My skin peels or flakes if I wash my face with a wash cloth, sleep in a bed, or even if it gets too wet. It has absolutely no elasticity or strength. This is an extremely embarassing problem. What is happening? My dermatologist started me on a treatment involving a topical steroid and its too early to tell if it will do anything to help. Also, there are about 5 small scab-like things on my face that don't heal. I am very worried and have no idea what's going on or if it's ever going to stop. If anyone out there can help or has suggestions I would greatly appreciate it because I am at a loss. My next appointment with the doctor is in about 5 weeks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
No sunburn can cause permanent damage to the skin of the sort you describe, certainly not on the part of the skin that didn't burn. Therefore, I don;t think you need to worry that your skin is irreversibly damaged. I really don't know what you mean by saying that your skin, "has absolutely no elasticity or strength." A single sunburn doesn't rob skin of all its elasticity. I frankly think you are over-interpreting minor skin changes because you are afraid that your skin is damaged.
I advise you to use no medications other than what your dermatologist prescribed at the last visit, that you wash with a mild soap and use a bland moisturizer. If there are scabs on your face, do not under any circumstances pick, rub, or closely examine them.
I would be willing to wager that when you see your dermatologist in 5 weeks, you'll be fine.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
I advise you to use no medications other than what your dermatologist prescribed at the last visit, that you wash with a mild soap and use a bland moisturizer. If there are scabs on your face, do not under any circumstances pick, rub, or closely examine them.
I would be willing to wager that when you see your dermatologist in 5 weeks, you'll be fine.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
