...in shock at what I've accidentally done.

Feb 22, 2016

Victoria A.

First off, I NOW know how royally I've myself, so no judgmental comments, only those that may help my situation please.

Background: I've been suffering with some semi-major medical issues that's throwing my whole body for a loop this entire past year. One of those loops would be the formation of strange pimple-type things randomly appearing on my back and face, and yeah, sometimes I end up picking at a few, and I know I'm not supposed to, ok? But it just happens sometimes.

FastForward: Last night I accidentally scratched one of these pimple things that's right beside my mouth, and it started to bleed a little. Brilliant me decides to spray some 3% Hydrogen Peroxide on it to clean out any germ before I slap some neosporin and a band aid on it. BAD IDEA.

After some research I've concluded I now have a disgusting SECOND DEGREE CHEMICAL BURN on my face, the size of a nickel.

Is there anything I can do to help it? At this point I'm too scared to put anything on it for fear that it will get worse. I have a sinking feeling that this will also scar. I feel like screaming and ripping my hair out! Help.

Feb 22, 2016

Sateona A.

I think you should talk to a doctor about this before you do anything else. Second degree burns have to be dealt with in a special way or else you might get an infection or be left with a permanent scar. Does your local hospital have a number you can call to speak to a nurse?

Feb 22, 2016

Leona K.

One thing I learned the hard way is that many people including myself are allergic to neosporin. I doubt you have a chemical burn from 3% solution. I would stop with the neosporin and take an antihistamine. Call your dermatologist if doesn't improve.

Feb 22, 2016

Roz X.

First, I'm not a doctor. Secondly, we have all done foolish things.

That said, don't panic.
What you need to do is rinse the wound. It is no longer a pimple, but a wound and should be treated as such. Rinse with cool water to remove any surface trace of peroxide. Then, pat it dry. Peroxide burns need to be kept clean and dry. This means air it out until it is completely dry, such as overnight, and then cover the wound in the morning with cotton gauze or a bandaid. After a few days of keeping it clean and dry, I'd apply Neosporin first aid cream with pain reliever and place a bandaid over it. This should speed healing. Neosporin will soften it once a hard scab has formed and will kill surface bacteria. Once the wound is healed over and the scab is shed, I'd apply Mederma advanced scar gel. Continue this as instructed. In time, you can worry about evening out skin tone, but that's not your immediate need.

If you are worried, monitor your temperature to be sure you are free of a fever. Temps rise when the body is in battle and there's infection. If you develop a fever, seek care at an immediate medical facility. I honestly think you will be fine.

This is a hard lesson learned and I feel for you. I've been there many moons ago and next time you are tempted to pick, remember this scary experience. It will help..I promise. . Best of luck to you.

Feb 22, 2016

Roz X.

Leona makes a valid point. If you are allergic to Neosporin (I am not) first aid cream is fine.

Feb 22, 2016

Victoria A.

Thanks girls, especially to you Rozberry. Reading your post has made me feel a lot better about the situation. Great advice, and I appreciate that. I'm going to rinse it, pat dry, and leave alone until tomorrow. I'm dealing with an extreme amount of stress at this point in my life, and I'm starting to realize what it means to hear "stress will kill you". Ughhh. I just looked at it in the mirror and it is so foul looking! Gahhhh.

That's all.

Feb 22, 2016

Sarah O.

Don't panic, relax. I suggest to not put ANY makeup on it. Let it breath! If it gets worse I suggest to go to a doctor

Feb 22, 2016

Victoria A.

Sarah- I don't wear any sort of face makeup like foundation. Only eye makeup if I feel like putting it on. Even if I did own any foundation type products, nothing I could do would cover this thing up... Normally I wouldn't care- I'm a homebody who doesn't leave the house unless I have to. Unfortunately, tonight of all nights my aunt wants to take me out to a bar so we can talk about some major issues going on in my family right now... It's not anything fancy, just a bar down the road that will most likely be filled with older men. (I live in an area known for its farms and the Amish, of course). But the thought of going out in public with my face like this is starting to give me a stomach ache...

Feb 22, 2016

Sarah O.

I know how that feels, just maybe put a bandaid on it tonight. Also remember a pimple or in this case a burn doesn't define who you are :)