Pealing bad after a sunburn

[ladybug20]

This past weekend I got burned really bad. So bad that I couldn't sleep or leave the house being exposed to the sun. It's been a couple days and its healing. Today I needed to go to the store to buy things that I'm taking back to the states and noticed that on my chest were I got burned started bubbling because of the heat outside. ( I was covered up) When I got home I noticed that my shoulders and my stomach had bubbles of water or something inside. I was so grossed out because the were everywhere that I gently popped them with my palm not my nails and my skin started to obviously peal. I have had sunburns before but I have never pealed this bad. Now I have lighter stops everywhere and the rest of my skin is tan and I think I will still peal. Do the spots stay light permanently? I'm afraid they will. Should I just moisturize with lotion and the skin will fall off? I don't know what to do after the pealing has begun.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is true that post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur due to peeling skin and laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion may be useful in that.

I hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[ladybug20]

Hello Dr. Bhupinder,

I'm applying aloe vera gel and other stuff to stop pealing and hope it heals properly. I'm even staying out of the sun because my skin doesn't like it. My biggest concern is that the pealing will scar or that the skin wont heal. Can this happen? I don't want to go through any medical procedures. Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin.

Apply cool compresses on the area and take bath with cool(not very cold) water. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry.Also use a sunburn 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 still persist then you should consult a dermatologist and discuss the option of dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.