Ouch! What is this skin irritation?
November 13, 2014 1:29 PM Subscribe
My poor mom has always had sensitive skin but it has gotten exponentially worse - please help? We know YANHD
My mom has always had sensitive skin. A simple strong breeze can cause my mom's facial skin to get very red. She's never really had bad acne just regular pimples pop up that we treat with salicylic acid cream. She doesn't wear foundation or heavy make-up just simple eyeshadow and lipstick. She used to use toner with salicylic acid but it was drying out her skin so I had her switch to coconut oil. She has recently been using a CoQ10 facial wash cream to wash her face but recently stopped. Her face has broken out really badly and we don't know what to do to help it. She has an appointment with a dermatologist but its until the end of December. We know you are not her derm/doctor but do you have any clue what this is and what we can do to help it? Should we treat it like a normal acne breakout or is it another skin condition? She still uses the same laundry detergent (Tide) and fabric softener (Bounce and Suavitel). She has gone through a really stressful time recently with new responsibilities and it started to clear up but it's back again.
She also has it on her nose and cheeks but not any other part of her body.
So right now she is using wash face with water then apply Aveeno face moisturizer cream and it's sensitive to the touch, even Dad's moustache really hurts when they kiss. She drinks 2 16 oz bottles of water a day.
All help is appreciated!
My mom has always had sensitive skin. A simple strong breeze can cause my mom's facial skin to get very red. She's never really had bad acne just regular pimples pop up that we treat with salicylic acid cream. She doesn't wear foundation or heavy make-up just simple eyeshadow and lipstick. She used to use toner with salicylic acid but it was drying out her skin so I had her switch to coconut oil. She has recently been using a CoQ10 facial wash cream to wash her face but recently stopped. Her face has broken out really badly and we don't know what to do to help it. She has an appointment with a dermatologist but its until the end of December. We know you are not her derm/doctor but do you have any clue what this is and what we can do to help it? Should we treat it like a normal acne breakout or is it another skin condition? She still uses the same laundry detergent (Tide) and fabric softener (Bounce and Suavitel). She has gone through a really stressful time recently with new responsibilities and it started to clear up but it's back again.
She also has it on her nose and cheeks but not any other part of her body.
So right now she is using wash face with water then apply Aveeno face moisturizer cream and it's sensitive to the touch, even Dad's moustache really hurts when they kiss. She drinks 2 16 oz bottles of water a day.
All help is appreciated!
This sounds a lot like rosacea to me...maybe google some pics and see if it looks right? I haven't had it myself, though, so not certain about the treatment.
posted by rainbowbrite at 1:44 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by rainbowbrite at 1:44 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Not to thread sit but:
If the breakout occurred after she stopped using it, what is she using now? Nothing just water.
She also has it on her nose and cheeks but not any other part of her body. The pic shows her forehead only but it is on her nose and cheeks too.
Bangs recently, new hat, new pillows/pillowcases? No to all of these.
posted by xicana63 at 1:46 PM on November 13, 2014
If the breakout occurred after she stopped using it, what is she using now? Nothing just water.
She also has it on her nose and cheeks but not any other part of her body. The pic shows her forehead only but it is on her nose and cheeks too.
Bangs recently, new hat, new pillows/pillowcases? No to all of these.
posted by xicana63 at 1:46 PM on November 13, 2014
Should we treat it like a normal acne breakout or is it another skin condition?
I would definitely not use any kind of harsh acne treatments on skin that red and irritated, especially if it hurts that badly. I don't know what her usual acne breakouts look like but I do know what facial staph infections start out looking like, and that was my first thought. Does she get her eyebrows or any other facial hair waxed at a salon? That can be a potential infection source.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:47 PM on November 13, 2014
I would definitely not use any kind of harsh acne treatments on skin that red and irritated, especially if it hurts that badly. I don't know what her usual acne breakouts look like but I do know what facial staph infections start out looking like, and that was my first thought. Does she get her eyebrows or any other facial hair waxed at a salon? That can be a potential infection source.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:47 PM on November 13, 2014
So, as you note, IANHD, but I also have sensitive skin. The picture looks somewhat like either contact dermatitis or eczema. When you say it's really sensitive to the touch, does it feel hot? I don't mean hot to the touch, but does she feel like her face is hot?
When I've had contact dermatitis in the past, my skin not only gets red and bumpy, but I feel like that area is hot. When I have an eczema breakout, it's red and bumpy but not hot.
If you or she thinks it might be contact dermatitis, then you need to think about what contact she has that might have changed it. Maybe the new face wash set it off? Like @the webmistress suggests, maybe a new hat or bangs or hair clips? If she can figure out any new contact exposures, remove those.
Regardless of whether it is contact dermatitis or eczema, an OTC hydrocortisone cream might help it calm down. Brand names include Cortaid, Cortisone etc. You aren't really supposed to put this stuff on your face because face skin is so sensitive, but I do put it on my face from time to time. I avoid the eye area, apply very lightly and see what happens. I would not recommend doing this for more than 3 days, because you can build up a tolerance for hydrocortisone very quickly. It will either work right away or not at all.
Sometimes the area can become a little bit infected, with either dermatitis or eczema. If the hydrocortisone helps, I'd follow up with a topical antibiotic after stopping the hydrocortisone, like neosporin, just in case there's a little bit of infection.
posted by OrangeDisk at 1:48 PM on November 13, 2014
When I've had contact dermatitis in the past, my skin not only gets red and bumpy, but I feel like that area is hot. When I have an eczema breakout, it's red and bumpy but not hot.
If you or she thinks it might be contact dermatitis, then you need to think about what contact she has that might have changed it. Maybe the new face wash set it off? Like @the webmistress suggests, maybe a new hat or bangs or hair clips? If she can figure out any new contact exposures, remove those.
Regardless of whether it is contact dermatitis or eczema, an OTC hydrocortisone cream might help it calm down. Brand names include Cortaid, Cortisone etc. You aren't really supposed to put this stuff on your face because face skin is so sensitive, but I do put it on my face from time to time. I avoid the eye area, apply very lightly and see what happens. I would not recommend doing this for more than 3 days, because you can build up a tolerance for hydrocortisone very quickly. It will either work right away or not at all.
Sometimes the area can become a little bit infected, with either dermatitis or eczema. If the hydrocortisone helps, I'd follow up with a topical antibiotic after stopping the hydrocortisone, like neosporin, just in case there's a little bit of infection.
posted by OrangeDisk at 1:48 PM on November 13, 2014
Oh, I meant to also say -- even if hydrocortisone helps, your mom should still go see the dermatologist. That's a really bad outbreak to come on suddenly, and if it is infected, it might not completely go away. My suggestions are only to help with the symptoms.
posted by OrangeDisk at 1:52 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by OrangeDisk at 1:52 PM on November 13, 2014
I'd guess papulopustular rosacea until it's been ruled out. Both because of appearance and also because of this, "A simple strong breeze can cause my mom's facial skin to get very red."
The best are very mild skincare products for sensitive skin, pH balanced if possible. Also, coconut oil can be comedogenic for some people, so maybe try something else.
Products with azelaic acid can help. She may also want to consider trying for a consult with Pocket Derm if she wants a doctor to look at it and prescribe treatment before late December.
posted by quince at 1:56 PM on November 13, 2014 [2 favorites]
The best are very mild skincare products for sensitive skin, pH balanced if possible. Also, coconut oil can be comedogenic for some people, so maybe try something else.
Products with azelaic acid can help. She may also want to consider trying for a consult with Pocket Derm if she wants a doctor to look at it and prescribe treatment before late December.
posted by quince at 1:56 PM on November 13, 2014 [2 favorites]
ouch. That looks painful. If I suddenly had that on my face, I might go to my regular doc or Urgent Care and have them swab for bacterial/fungal infection.
The only times I've had something similar is when I've had allergic dermatitis from a known irritant. Cortisone cream helped then.
posted by zennie at 2:01 PM on November 13, 2014 [3 favorites]
The only times I've had something similar is when I've had allergic dermatitis from a known irritant. Cortisone cream helped then.
posted by zennie at 2:01 PM on November 13, 2014 [3 favorites]
On the allergic reaction possibility: I once got contact dermatitis on my face after I wiped my sweaty face with a T-shirt that had a black design printed on it. I'm allergic to something in some blue and black dyes, but it doesn't usually show up unless an item containing that dye touches my skin when it's already irritated (wearing wool, once) or pressed hard like when I wiped sweat off my face.
The doctor prescribed me a cream that told me not to put a diaper on the affected area.
posted by telophase at 2:24 PM on November 13, 2014
The doctor prescribed me a cream that told me not to put a diaper on the affected area.
posted by telophase at 2:24 PM on November 13, 2014
It looks like rosacea. I have a similar condition, and so I treat it with moisturizer, typically Aveeno.
posted by Nevin at 3:03 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by Nevin at 3:03 PM on November 13, 2014
Nthing rosacea. I have a mild form of rosacea that flares up whenever I eat too much dairy. I found the National Rosacea Society's website to be extremely helpful.
posted by invisible ink at 4:12 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by invisible ink at 4:12 PM on November 13, 2014
Just on the forehead and cheeks? IANAD but it definitely looks/sounds like rosacea to me. My dad has this condition and it is much worse in the winter/fall, and wind is a known trigger for rosacea flare-ups. The rosacea society says to avoid facial products that contain alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil. Your mom should wear sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection on her face. I like moisturizers that have UVA/UVB protection built in. Use a gentle, fragrance free skin cleanser and avoid washing the face too frequently. I would avoid toners, retinoids, acids, and peels, even OTC ones, until she's seen the dermatologist. When she goes outdoors, she should wear her scarf up around her cheeks/mouth and wear a hat to protect her forehead. There are various creams sold OTC that claim to help rosacea inflammation. I would examine the ingredients closely to make sure that they don't contain anything harsh. Eucerin has a line of redness relief products that may be helpful, but I've never tried them personally and my dad never bothered to buy them. He just puts up with the redness and protects his face when he walks the dog or blows out the driveway.
posted by xyzzy at 4:22 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by xyzzy at 4:22 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
I think this should be cultured and while it's still so "hot" - to wait until the end of December seems way out of line for something so painful. Is the dermatologist someone she's been to before? I'd check first to see if her regular PCP couldn't get her into a dermatologist's office faster than that or else culture it himself. If not, I'd go to Urgent Care and my guess is they'll get it diagnosed quickly. If all else fails, I'd take a photo of it - or your Mom - to the dermatologist's office and show the derm's nurse. I'll bet she'll get right in.
Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel. This looks ungodly painful and she shouldn't have to put up with it without knowing what's the appropriate way to treat it. There are so many products marketed for skin disorders that it's hard to know what to try, but many of them can make the problem disastrously worse if they're the wrong choice - which means one can do more harm without meaning to at all.
If I had that on my face, I'd be yelling my head off until someone diagnosed it and figured out what to do about it.
Oh- one other thought: You might take her to a pharmacy - a small, old-standby pharmacy as opposed to a chain, and ask the pharmacist what you should treat it with. Ten to one a medical consult asap will be the recommendation, but maybe the pharmacist will know what he's looking at right away and have an answer that will tide her over until she can see the dermatologist.
posted by aryma at 5:25 PM on November 13, 2014 [2 favorites]
Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel. This looks ungodly painful and she shouldn't have to put up with it without knowing what's the appropriate way to treat it. There are so many products marketed for skin disorders that it's hard to know what to try, but many of them can make the problem disastrously worse if they're the wrong choice - which means one can do more harm without meaning to at all.
If I had that on my face, I'd be yelling my head off until someone diagnosed it and figured out what to do about it.
Oh- one other thought: You might take her to a pharmacy - a small, old-standby pharmacy as opposed to a chain, and ask the pharmacist what you should treat it with. Ten to one a medical consult asap will be the recommendation, but maybe the pharmacist will know what he's looking at right away and have an answer that will tide her over until she can see the dermatologist.
posted by aryma at 5:25 PM on November 13, 2014 [2 favorites]
I agree with Nevin. Your mother appears to have papulopustular rosacea (subtype 2). If it turns out to actually be rosacea, I hope your mother is able to find relief from this very frustrating, unpredictable skin condition.
I've compiled a list of products I often see mentioned in rosacea support groups:
- Good news: Metrogel seems to respond the best to this type of rosacea for some reason.
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (I've heard so many good things about this line)
- CeraVe facial lotions
- La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Skin Perfecting Anti-Redness Moisturizer
- 100% Pure Emu Oil
- coconut oil (I see she's already using this)
- jojoba oil
- Jane Iredale mineral makeup is a favorite (particularly the BB cream) and virtually everyone I know with rosacea has been recommending it to me lately.
- Believe it or not, Milk of Magnesia applied topically on the face seems to help severe cases of subtype 2 based on what I've seen in before and after pictures from the support groups I participate in. I have no idea why or how it works. I suggest your mother research this further before actually trying this.
- Personally, I haven't had any issues using Clinique's Redness Solutions line (sans the Daily Relief cream). The makeup and Soothing cleanser hasn't irritated my skin yet.
- You can use organic honey as a mask for 10-20 minutes if your skin is especially dry. Don't heat it.
I have subtype 1, and I'm still trying to figure out how to prevent as much flareups as possible without seeing a dermatologist. Aside from avoiding certain foods (wine, alcohol in general, tomatoes, spicy food) and triggers like heat (goodbye, hot showers and hot tea!), excessive exercise (walking instead of running), sunlight (I wear a wide-brim hat and wear Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50 on my face), and sudden changes in temperature, my skincare regimen is very basic; Clinique's Redness Solutions cleanser (I suggest trying CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser first though), sometimes only rinsing with lukewarm water if I'm not wearing any makeup, and I apply Vitamin E oil on my face while it's still wet before bedtime and let it soak in overnight because otherwise I have very dry skin. I plan to try the CeraVe line soon.
My personal advice: Accept you can treat the condition but there is currently no cure for it. Identify personal triggers and avoid them if possible, but don't overdo it to the point of not being able to live a good quality of life. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Don't use products with the word "exfoliate" on the package. Also, stay away from cortisone creams. It may help temporarily, but long-term use can cause steroid-induced rosacea and make the condition worse.
I hope this helps.
posted by Sarin Bellum at 6:00 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
I've compiled a list of products I often see mentioned in rosacea support groups:
- Good news: Metrogel seems to respond the best to this type of rosacea for some reason.
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (I've heard so many good things about this line)
- CeraVe facial lotions
- La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Skin Perfecting Anti-Redness Moisturizer
- 100% Pure Emu Oil
- coconut oil (I see she's already using this)
- jojoba oil
- Jane Iredale mineral makeup is a favorite (particularly the BB cream) and virtually everyone I know with rosacea has been recommending it to me lately.
- Believe it or not, Milk of Magnesia applied topically on the face seems to help severe cases of subtype 2 based on what I've seen in before and after pictures from the support groups I participate in. I have no idea why or how it works. I suggest your mother research this further before actually trying this.
- Personally, I haven't had any issues using Clinique's Redness Solutions line (sans the Daily Relief cream). The makeup and Soothing cleanser hasn't irritated my skin yet.
- You can use organic honey as a mask for 10-20 minutes if your skin is especially dry. Don't heat it.
I have subtype 1, and I'm still trying to figure out how to prevent as much flareups as possible without seeing a dermatologist. Aside from avoiding certain foods (wine, alcohol in general, tomatoes, spicy food) and triggers like heat (goodbye, hot showers and hot tea!), excessive exercise (walking instead of running), sunlight (I wear a wide-brim hat and wear Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50 on my face), and sudden changes in temperature, my skincare regimen is very basic; Clinique's Redness Solutions cleanser (I suggest trying CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser first though), sometimes only rinsing with lukewarm water if I'm not wearing any makeup, and I apply Vitamin E oil on my face while it's still wet before bedtime and let it soak in overnight because otherwise I have very dry skin. I plan to try the CeraVe line soon.
My personal advice: Accept you can treat the condition but there is currently no cure for it. Identify personal triggers and avoid them if possible, but don't overdo it to the point of not being able to live a good quality of life. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Don't use products with the word "exfoliate" on the package. Also, stay away from cortisone creams. It may help temporarily, but long-term use can cause steroid-induced rosacea and make the condition worse.
I hope this helps.
posted by Sarin Bellum at 6:00 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
You mention she's been stressed out lately. There's her trigger, and unfortunately that's a hard thing to control unless your mother is part Vulcan.
posted by Sarin Bellum at 6:15 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by Sarin Bellum at 6:15 PM on November 13, 2014
I forgot to add: Don't treat it like it's acne. It's not.
posted by Sarin Bellum at 7:03 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by Sarin Bellum at 7:03 PM on November 13, 2014
The recent stress may have been the tipping point, but there are probably some other things that can be changed to help her skin calm down. I recommend a fragrance and dye free detergent and no fabric softener at all (she can use one of those balls that bounce in the dryer instead). My daughter's allergist said specifically not to use Tide detergent or Ivory soap because of how much they can provoke sensitive skin.
posted by Margalo Epps at 7:42 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by Margalo Epps at 7:42 PM on November 13, 2014
I think this would warrant a call or visit to her primary care physician. They may say, "just go to the dermatologist" but at least you've checked in with them.
posted by bobobox at 7:43 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by bobobox at 7:43 PM on November 13, 2014
I know coconut oil is often blindly touted for its healing, supposed antibacterial/antifungal and moisturizing properties. It can be extremely drying and even irritating for skin, while exacerbating some conditions.
posted by lawliet at 8:21 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by lawliet at 8:21 PM on November 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Ditching TIde for a gentler detergent and not using fabric softeners or Bounce cleared up 90% of my friends very, very, sensitive skin.
posted by sadtomato at 9:11 PM on November 13, 2014
posted by sadtomato at 9:11 PM on November 13, 2014
Have you tried calling the dermatologist again to explain the urgency? I'd recommend asking to be called in case of cancellation, if your mom might be able to swing a "surprise we can see you in ten minutes" appointment.
posted by Margalo Epps at 9:24 AM on November 14, 2014
posted by Margalo Epps at 9:24 AM on November 14, 2014
I would definitely say not to treat it like normal acne. Cut out any products with fragrance....the tide and bounce...even shampoo and conditioner. Go with organic products that are unscented (until she visits the dermatologist anyways).
Also see if ice facials would be helpful in easing the irritation and redness. Basically you take a few ice cubes wrapped in paper towel and glide them over the skin for a few minutes.
If it was being really bothersome, I would call the dermatologist to see if I could get in earlier somehow. Another option is to find a really good esthetician in the area and book a consultation....that should be quicker. Yeah she might not be able to get meds, but something good might come out of it.
posted by BeSumr at 8:56 PM on November 15, 2014
Also see if ice facials would be helpful in easing the irritation and redness. Basically you take a few ice cubes wrapped in paper towel and glide them over the skin for a few minutes.
If it was being really bothersome, I would call the dermatologist to see if I could get in earlier somehow. Another option is to find a really good esthetician in the area and book a consultation....that should be quicker. Yeah she might not be able to get meds, but something good might come out of it.
posted by BeSumr at 8:56 PM on November 15, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
If the breakout occurred after she stopped using it, what is she using now?
She also has it on her nose and cheeks but not any other part of her body.
Do you mean her forehead instead of her cheeks? Did she start wearing bangs recently? Or a new hat? Does she have new pillows/pillowcases?
posted by the webmistress at 1:41 PM on November 13, 2014