persistent red mark after abrasion?

[yihwan]

A couple weeks ago, I got a pretty bad abrasion on my face and nose. After cleaning it and applying Aquaphor daily, it got better and better for a week, until the previously bleeding and damaged skin looked pink and smooth. It was a relatively fast healing time.

About two weeks ago, I went swimming in what I believe was a salt-treated pool. Since then, the injured area has become a darker red, and is not showing any signs of healing further. When I press the affected area, it turns light and then quickly returns to its normal reddish hue.  I am told this is blanching and is usually a good sign. It's not painful at all, but it is annoying to have red splotches on my face.

I'm concerned because the first week after I got injured I was healing so fast it surprised me, but for the past week the affected area is not showing any signs of improvement. The redness will just not seem to go away!  I've been using Aquaphor (less regularly than right after I got the abrasion) and bought some Maderma, but neither seem to be helping any.  This is getting really frustrating and I would appreciate any help; thanks!

[yihwan]

Thanks for your comment.  I don´t think it is dermititis because the affected areas arent exactly inflamed, itchy, or painful.  It´s quite unnoticeable really, despite the obvious reddish hue.  

The fact that the wounds blanch leads me to wonder if there just isnt enough layers of skin over the capillaries?  If so, how would I promote quick skin growth over this area?  I have still not seen any noticeable improvement in the past two weeks since posting this.

[SauravG]

Hello. I got a same kind of an abrasion from a bike fall. its nearing almost 2 months. Can you tell me exactly how long will it take to get the skin healed completely? Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of contact dermatitis because of the salt. Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your face with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat it dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. 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.

[yihwan]

close-up pictures:

http://i50.tinypic.com/2v8i9ld.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/vy4ew2.jpg

NOTE: These pictures were taken right after I applied Aquaphor (which is why the red marks appear shiny and slightly raised). When no Aquaphor is applied, the marks are neither shiny nor raised.