Windburn

[joanna30214]

Hi doctor,

I recently came back from a holiday and ended up getting windburn from the harsh weather. I have noticed that it has been getting worst although I have been treating it with an aloe vera plant during the day and vaseline before i got to bed, I have also taken a dose of ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and calm down the inflammation. There is a watery like substance coming out of the infected area and lately more of it has been coming out to the point I would have to dab it clean with a cloth all the time.It is also very raw and quite itchy, yet I have tried not to scratch it.

The skin on the outside however, has started to peel, but the itching is uncontrollable.
The last time I had windburn was only for 4 days. I have had this for 2 weeks now.

What is that watery like substance? Will it be get better anytime soon?

[joanna30214]

Thank you for that, I will keep that advice in mind. My skin is starting to dry up, but there is like a watery substance oozing out and it's not really pleasant, especially because I have to keep on wiping it. I try not to wash my face because of this.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can apply cool compresses on the area and take bath with cool (not very cold) water. Do not scrub skin or shave the skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry. Also use Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera and a light moisturizer or a dusting powder to relieve chafing. You can apply silver sulfadiazine (1% cream) on the skin except face and see if it helps.
If the symptoms persist then you may need topical mild steroid creams.
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.