Medical advice- face bumpy and red

[Tarheel Tink]

Well, where else would I go for medical advice but the DIS?

My face and neck are bumpy and inflamed (and slightly itchy). It started several days ago but has not lessened and seems a bit worse. I attributed it to a new face lotion my dermatologist gave me a sample of to use after she froze 2 small areas on my face (pre-cancerous spots). I started using it daily about 10 days ago and used the same product (hand/body version) on my arms at the same time. Only my face and neck have had any reaction (if this is a reaction) and the product is Aqua Glyclolic which has AHA in it. I stopped using it last Wednesday.

I also used Solbar Shield Sunscreen with zinc in it on her recommendation (in the am, the other in the pm). Nothing else that I can think of has changed (same makeup, medications, foods, etc.) except I took a round of Cipro 500 mg. last week for a UTI. I haven't been outside much so I don't think anyone nearby was burning poison ivy.

I will be trying to see my doctor tomorrow but does anyone have any ideas or recommendations for relief until then? I have gone makeup-less this weekend and boy is that a scary sight!

I pick up DH at the airport in a few hours and haven't mentioned this to him so he is in for a suprise!

I appreciate any feedback from anyone that may have any thoughts about it.

 

[Queenbillabong]

Yikes, sounds like you've got a bad reaction going on. I would definitely take some Benadryl ASAP to help with the inflammation and itching. They also have a topical Benadryl that will help immediately - spray or lotion.

My face is very reactive, so I'm really careful about putting lotions on it. When you try several new things close together, it's hard to say which is the culprit. Taking Cipro also adds to the mix because it can make your skin even more sensitive!

I hope something helps soon - it's no fun at all (and looks just BEEYOOTIFUL, I'm sure )

 

[lovetoscrap]

Sounds like hives. I am very sensitive on my face and neck and will get hives with lots of sunscreens and lotions. The same products don't bother me anywhere else, but just my face.

Stop using them if you can (not sure if they are medically necessary?) and get some Benadryl. That should help.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I just reread your OP. DON'T take Benadryl by mouth until you are home. It will most likely make you sleepy and you shouldn't drive. They have cream and spray you can apply-- I think the spray works well. And you probably would be okay with some foundation powder if you have any, just to cut the redness and make you look less scary! But the Benadryl will be sticky so that could be an interesting mix!

 

[JoBird]

Is it bumpy like an orange peel feel, or more one spot (like one mosquito bite) bump??

If it's like an orange peel- run your hands over it, you'll know what I'm talking about if it's this way-
it's called contact dermatitis. You'll need a steroid and time to let it calm down. I am surprised your Dr gave you more than one product at a time to put on your face.

Benadryl is good- but only after you go home. You'll fall asleep.

The Cipro probably is not the culprit.

Hope you feel better.
Jo

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Thanks everyone! Apparently y'all have it right because I went to the pharmacy and the pharmacist agreed with you. She said it looked like hives and to take Benadryl but to wait until DH can drive back from the airport.
JoBird- it feels like orange peel (and thanks for something to describe it) and I will try the steroid cream that DH apparently took with him on his trip along with the Benadryl. Looking like a geisha can't be worse than red/bumpy, LOL! If I'm not greatly improved tomorrow I will call the doctor.
Thank you again for your advice; it is much appreciated!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I remember last year, my entire face blistered with hives - red itchy welts everywhere! It went into my scalp and down my neck to my shoulders. It turns out I used a new lotion that had benzoyl peroxide in it. I used two small dabs of it, but that was enough to trigger a severe allergic reaction. It was scary to see that two drops could cause such damage. It took weeks to completely heal. So now I know I am severely allergic to benezoyl peroxide, and will NEVER touch that stuff ever again!

OP - hope your hives heal quicker than mine!

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Yikes! Oh yes, may I please heal quicker than weeks! I guess it is better to be prepared for a longer recovery.

 

[Green Tea]

My first thought was a cold sore, a fever blister. I got my first one a few weeks after I had something removed from my face. I guess the virus entered while it was open. It was v painful. I have had hives a lot and this was not like hives. My hives are raised, large flat spots. Itch, but don't hurt. Kind of fade away, then come back. The fever blister patches are raised small dots, almost like a cluster of pimples.

 

[Green Tea]

For hives, I found Zyrtec works the best. And, crazy as it sounds, take Zantac, yes the stomach acid medicine, also. It works on mast cells as well.