Feeling Lost After Doctor's Visit for Facial Irritation
I am 23 years old and have not been practicing meditation. Three weeks ago, I consulted a physician concerning a change and irritation on my face that I suspected was a reaction to my use of glycolic acid toner. During the appointment, I explained my concerns in detail. The doctor examined the affected area, diagnosed it as inflammation, and prescribed Advantan to be applied overnight for seven days, along with Cicaplast Baume B5 to be used every 2-3 hours throughout the day. She advised me to avoid makeup during this period, and I complied. Now, after three weeks, while there has been some fading of the irritation, the pigmentation remains. The doctor had mentioned it should heal within two weeks, and she did not indicate that I needed to return for a follow-up. However, I recently attended an event and decided to wear makeup, which I now regret. It did not seem to improve anything, and within a few hours, my makeup appeared flaky and reminiscent of the original irritation. I suspect this might be due to the corrective makeup product or the sponge I used, but I remain uncertain about the underlying cause. Unfortunately, I cannot afford another doctor’s appointment for the next two weeks, and I feel completely lost. My self-esteem has plummeted, and I dread being seen by others in my current state. I am anxious about whether this condition will ever completely resolve. When I do manage to see a dermatologist, what questions should I ask? I felt quite disregarded during my last visit, yet the consultation was costly. I'm looking for guidance on what might be going on and any potential next steps for treatment.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 7:10:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with facial irritation and the feelings of uncertainty and low self-esteem that can accompany this condition. Your experience is valid, and it’s understandable to seek clarity and resolution.
Main Points:
- Ongoing irritation and pigmentation need careful management despite initial treatment.
- Consider self-care approaches until you can see a dermatologist.
- Prepare for your next medical appointment with specific questions for a more thorough evaluation.
Explanation:
It seems that while your initial treatment helped reduce the inflammation, the pigmentation and irritation may require additional care and possibly different products. Sometimes, skin can react poorly to certain ingredients post-irritation, including makeup or even tools like sponges, especially when the skin barrier is compromised. The longer healing time might be due to multiple factors, such as the type of irritation or sensitivity of your skin.
Next Steps:
-
Continue using prescribed treatments:
- Use Cicaplast Baume B5 every 2-3 hours as recommended to promote healing.
- Apply Advantan as directed, ideally at night, for the entire prescribed duration.
-
Limit further irritation:
- Avoid makeup until your skin has fully healed, as it can exacerbate existing irritation.
- If necessary, opt for very gentle products designed for sensitive skin in the future (non-comedogenic, fragrance-free).
-
Self-care practices:
- Implement a gentle skincare routine focusing on hydration and barrier repair. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
- Try to reduce stress by exploring meditation or deep breathing exercises as a long-term strategy. This can help with overall well-being.
-
Monitor changes:
- Keep a diary of your skin’s response to products you use and any changes you notice. This information may be helpful for the dermatologist.
-
Prepare for your next appointment:
- Questions to consider asking include:
- What specific products or treatments are best suited for my sensitive skin?
- Are there any additional underlying factors to consider that might be affecting my skin?
- Is there a specific skincare routine you recommend?
- What are the best practices for using makeup during skin recovery?
- Questions to consider asking include:
By taking these steps, you can better manage your condition while you wait for your next appointment. Remember, it is okay to be patient with your skin’s healing process; many people experience setbacks, but with the right care, improvement is often achievable. Keep focused on your goals for recovery and self-care.
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