St. Ives Apricot Scrub (tiny holes)

[samanderson1211]

Hi,

I used St. Ives Apricot Scrub for a couple of weeks and then i noticed i had all this little holes and sort of a rash, slightly raised skin on the sides of my nose. I went to a dermatologist who first prescribed regular hydrocortisone cream which ended up making my face have a reaction, making it all red. I went back and he gave Licoid Lipocream which I've been using for 2 weeks and really dont see a difference. I think he said use it for 2-3 weeks, but I can't remember and he didnt return my calls.  Any Advice?  Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like contact dermatitis to me. 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 your face 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.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Large pores can be easily dealt with proper cleansing and frequent toning and moisturizing of the skin. Other treatments to consider include microdermabrasion, skin resurfacing lasers and chemical skin peels.
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.

[Ayaayaayaayaaya]

Hi, is cetaphil can cure discoloration? Thanks

[samanderson1211]

K, thanks!  I am going to be in the sun soon for a little while and thought maybe a little burn would be good to make it peel as well...

[Caryopteris]

I would go to a good herbal store where you live and ask for somebody for some herbal treatments.  It does sound like you have inflammation.  Avoid eating sugar and eat lots of leafy green vegetables to reduce inflammation in general.  Aloe vera is one herbal to use, but there are others.

[samanderson1211]

I stopped using the scrub for almost a month now but the tiny holes and skin discoloration have note gone away.  I was prescribed the Lipocream after I stopped using the Scrub but it didn't help.  

I normally use cetaphil face wash, been using that for years and never had a problem.

Any suggestion on how to clear up what the St. Ives Scrub caused?

Thanks so much!

[Caryopteris]

Apricot scrub is tolerated by some, but is too harsh for some skin types.  Lay off it a while and use products that say they are for sensitive skin in future.  Dove soap is very mild.  So is glycerin soap, and it's fine for even oily skin.  Neutrogena and Pears make it, for instance.  If your skin is oily, consider using a tea tree oil soap.  It will cure what ails most skin, but your skin is probably too sensitive for 100% pure oil.  You could add a few drops of the oil to a gentle liquid soap or just buy a mild facial cleanser version.