Aa
Skin: Suddenly painful with extreme redness, dryness, swelling, itching.
I'm currently experiencing rather extreme reactions from my skin: redness (especially on both cheeks and jawline), very dry, painful to touch and flaring up when I attempt to put on moisturizer (Neutrogena oil-free, at that), and slight swelling all around, especially underneath my eyes.
The thing is, I don't know exactly why this is happening.
A few weeks ago, I was advised to use a salicylic acid cleanser to help with my sensitive, heavily acne-prone and scarred face; I did. Extreme dryness ensued after less than a week and I quickly switched back to my Neutrogena Visibly Even cleanser and moisturizer with additional honey/cinnamon/nutmeg masks to help my skin heal. It just /barely/ returned to it's original state. The sequence of events:
Week 1) salicylic acid cleanser, extreme dryness, stopped using immediately.
Week 2) back to original regimen of Neutrogena; decide to focus on the natural 'honey' solution. Skin returns to normal.
Week 3) /Two days/ of just using Neutrogena regimen, notice increased dryness and redness, extremely itchy. Third day--itchiness, swelling, the works.
This morning, I washed with just honey (instead of Neutrogena), and there was very little itching all day. My skin starts to feel hot and extremely dry by the time I get off work. I decided to use the honey facial mask I've been using prior, /tonight/, and lo and behold my skin can't bear to have it on for more than ten minutes (when previously, I'd been able to wear it for over thirty, no itching whatsoever). Took a shower right after washing off the mask--my face /burned/ while I tried to put on the same Neutrogena moisturizer that I /had/ been using.
What is going on? I don't believe I'm allergic to honey, cinnamon, or nutmeg (I've only used the facial mask a total of 5 times, perhaps, with no allergic reaction up until now; I've also been using raw honey most this time), my Neutrogena cleanser and moisturizer were used /daily/ until I switched out for the salicylic acid cleanser (for those few days) and appeared to be helping me heal the past week, and I haven't made any dramatic changes in my diet.
Any idea? For now, I'm going to try taking an antihistamine before I fall asleep tonight and see how my face looks in the morning. It's extremely painful right now, but I can't leave it as it is without any moisturizer... (I live in a desert climate--low humidity and extremely dry; it's also very, very cold at the moment--hurray for winter.)
The thing is, I don't know exactly why this is happening.
A few weeks ago, I was advised to use a salicylic acid cleanser to help with my sensitive, heavily acne-prone and scarred face; I did. Extreme dryness ensued after less than a week and I quickly switched back to my Neutrogena Visibly Even cleanser and moisturizer with additional honey/cinnamon/nutmeg masks to help my skin heal. It just /barely/ returned to it's original state. The sequence of events:
Week 1) salicylic acid cleanser, extreme dryness, stopped using immediately.
Week 2) back to original regimen of Neutrogena; decide to focus on the natural 'honey' solution. Skin returns to normal.
Week 3) /Two days/ of just using Neutrogena regimen, notice increased dryness and redness, extremely itchy. Third day--itchiness, swelling, the works.
This morning, I washed with just honey (instead of Neutrogena), and there was very little itching all day. My skin starts to feel hot and extremely dry by the time I get off work. I decided to use the honey facial mask I've been using prior, /tonight/, and lo and behold my skin can't bear to have it on for more than ten minutes (when previously, I'd been able to wear it for over thirty, no itching whatsoever). Took a shower right after washing off the mask--my face /burned/ while I tried to put on the same Neutrogena moisturizer that I /had/ been using.
What is going on? I don't believe I'm allergic to honey, cinnamon, or nutmeg (I've only used the facial mask a total of 5 times, perhaps, with no allergic reaction up until now; I've also been using raw honey most this time), my Neutrogena cleanser and moisturizer were used /daily/ until I switched out for the salicylic acid cleanser (for those few days) and appeared to be helping me heal the past week, and I haven't made any dramatic changes in my diet.
Any idea? For now, I'm going to try taking an antihistamine before I fall asleep tonight and see how my face looks in the morning. It's extremely painful right now, but I can't leave it as it is without any moisturizer... (I live in a desert climate--low humidity and extremely dry; it's also very, very cold at the moment--hurray for winter.)
Hi,I have this same problem and so do a lot of other people.Also called "Black Pepper mites"....drive you nuts ay night & dusk & dawn......Research it! Bird Mites are horrible!
I've asked around and it turns out that I may be experiencing an extreme allergic reaction to the honey (I'm not sure why, however, as I've never experienced this before now)--I do happen to be extremely allergic to a wide array of pollen...
It feels like my skin has been damaged to the point of no return and is currently trying to shed (?); I'll be watching to see how much of it sloughs off in the next couple of days.
Currently taking two antihistamines a day and washing with only water. Purchased another Neutrogena moisturizer for sensitive skin, but my skin reacts very poorly to everything at the moment--using pure Vitamin E and/or baby/mineral oil as a sealant. The problem now is that (on top of not being able to confirm the exact cause of this reaction) my skin is extremely dry, taut, and flaking under the best of circumstances. I wish there was some kind of natural moisturizer that can speed up the healing process while being kind to my skin--even Vitamin E/baby oil ends up a sticky, ineffective mess on my skin in its current state.
Any ideas? Avoiding chemical cleansers and moisturizers like the plague. (I've only used Neutrogena's Alcohol-Free Toner and Tom's Witch Hazel pads--and even witch hazel is causing flares of pain...)
It feels like my skin has been damaged to the point of no return and is currently trying to shed (?); I'll be watching to see how much of it sloughs off in the next couple of days.
Currently taking two antihistamines a day and washing with only water. Purchased another Neutrogena moisturizer for sensitive skin, but my skin reacts very poorly to everything at the moment--using pure Vitamin E and/or baby/mineral oil as a sealant. The problem now is that (on top of not being able to confirm the exact cause of this reaction) my skin is extremely dry, taut, and flaking under the best of circumstances. I wish there was some kind of natural moisturizer that can speed up the healing process while being kind to my skin--even Vitamin E/baby oil ends up a sticky, ineffective mess on my skin in its current state.
Any ideas? Avoiding chemical cleansers and moisturizers like the plague. (I've only used Neutrogena's Alcohol-Free Toner and Tom's Witch Hazel pads--and even witch hazel is causing flares of pain...)
If you have skin irritation NEVER use salicylic acid, its very harsh on your skin. Cinnamon is also a skin irritant. You face may be chaped, or it could be something to see a dermitologist about. Before you go to the Dr spend some extra money on a SCENT FREE moisturizer something for sensitive skin. For a cleanser use something less harsh like a cream cleaser or lotion cleanser, skip on anything with alcohol in it as a toner for skin after the cleanser. After you try something like that if the problem is still there you may want to see a Dr.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions
