Bad burn after TCA Peel--what to do? [pics]
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Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:27 pm

Greetings to everyone, I am new to this forum. I hope you can help me with my condition. I'm really worried that I've burned my face so bad that it's going to cause serious scarring. I desperately need some advice on what to do to avoid it.

Some info:
This is my 3rd peel, the last peel I did was around oct 1. I used 30% from MUAC. Basically what happened was, I did TCA cross for the boxcar scars on my right cheek and I did it as well on the icepick scars on my left cheek. My right cheek where I did a TCA cross is really swollen and the skin is raised it is also moist compared to other areas that aren't badly burned. The area has a brownish with some pinkish spots. I have some pictures that I took but this forum won't allow me to attach them to this post. Any suggestions on what to do? English is not my first language so I'm afraid i'm not really doing a good job of explaining the condition of my skin.

I put copper peptide serum and emu oil twice a day (AM/PM). I've also started to put Puritan's Pride Natural Collagen and Placenta Night Cream that I've mixed with Vitamin E Oil.

Some more info: I'm asian with olive skin and 24 years old.

Help? ;(

Fri Nov 02, 2012 3:01 pm

Welcome to the forum, Nekeneg. wave

I'm sure someone will know what to suggest but in the meantime I can post your pics for you…

Nekeneg wrote:

Here are some pictures, BTW this is day 3 of the peel:

right cheek.

You can't really tell but right where the red/brownish patch is, the area is raised and its really swollen. The area is also moist compared to the other areas that aren't as badly burned.

left cheek

It looks very painful! Sad

free skin care · Fri Nov 02, 2012 3:25 pm

Go see a doctor. If this gets inflamed you're in serious trouble. These are serious chemical burns and your skin is open for any kind of infection this way.

Fri Nov 02, 2012 3:43 pm

Thank you Havana for posting the pictures!! Very Happy

Actually it doesn't hurt at all, it feels fine although the surrounding area feels really tight.

@Lotusesther: thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I can't afford to see a doctor, I don't have insurance as well. Im hoping that the members in this forum can give me some advice as to what to do to prevent it from getting worse.

Confused

free skin care · Fri Nov 02, 2012 3:57 pm

I am thinking Neosporin might help avoid infection.

free skin care · Fri Nov 02, 2012 4:42 pm

Use an antibiotic ointment. DON'T get one that has pain relief added, just like the regular neosporin. If you can get your hands on something called silver sulfadiazine antibiotic cream it is especially made for burns but you probably need a prescription depending on what country you are in. Also buy some kind of diaper rash cream. Try to get one with the highest amount of zinc in it you can. You need to keep you skin moist and covered with the antibiotic ointment and diaper rash cream until it has had a chance to recover.

You are not going to look pretty for a few days but you should start to peel in 3 to 7 days and it will take up to 10-14 days to total peel off.
You do need to make sure it doesn't get infected.
Make sure you hands are really clean before putting on any kind of ointment.

free skin care · Fri Nov 02, 2012 5:39 pm

Cookie's input is what I'd recommend too. PLUS, do NOT peel it. When it does start to peel and flake, keep the neosporin on it (or Aquaphor, if you have that), but don't pull at the peel parts, no matter how tempted you are.

free skin care · Fri Nov 02, 2012 6:54 pm

It looks bad, but it really does look worse than it is. I had a seriously burned chin from TCA but I just kept it coated with generic Neosporin and it eventually peeled off without scarring.

Keep it coated in antibiotic ointment and don't use anything else other than biological oils like emu, squalane or even olive oil. And next time try not to be so enthusiastic!

Some people swear by vitamin E - maybe break open a capsule and mix it into Neosporin and use that?

free skin care · Sat Nov 03, 2012 2:27 am

Wow, this is a very bad burn from the peel! I suggest some aloe vera gel on the affected area to heal/soothe the burn. If it starts flaking and peeling, do not force to peel it yourself. Let it peel on its own.... I will also suggest that you consult a dermatologist (if you can afford it)? Once it is healed completely, you will need a good skin-care regimen to remove and even-out the discoloration from the burn.

Sat Nov 03, 2012 12:26 pm

CookieD wrote:

Use an antibiotic ointment. DON'T get one that has pain relief added, just like the regular neosporin. If you can get your hands on something called silver sulfadiazine antibiotic cream it is especially made for burns but you probably need a prescription depending on what country you are in. Also buy some kind of diaper rash cream. Try to get one with the highest amount of zinc in it you can. You need to keep you skin moist and covered with the antibiotic ointment and diaper rash cream until it has had a chance to recover.

You are not going to look pretty for a few days but you should start to peel in 3 to 7 days and it will take up to 10-14 days to total peel off.
You do need to make sure it doesn't get infected.
Make sure you hands are really clean before putting on any kind of ointment.

Hi thank you for your very helpful input. I wish I've read this sooner, I've been using neosporin with pain relief since last night. Confused

How will this affect the healing process and?

Also I'd like to ask if I should keep using copper peptide serum and how often? I don't want to aggrevate my face by rubbing strong chemicals on it I want to make sure that the CP serum is safe. Thanks again!

Sat Nov 03, 2012 12:30 pm

ShastaGirl wrote:

Cookie's input is what I'd recommend too. PLUS, do NOT peel it. When it does start to peel and flake, keep the neosporin on it (or Aquaphor, if you have that), but don't pull at the peel parts, no matter how tempted you are.

I'm scare to even touch my face right now.. Laughing

BTW, everytime I wash my face or when Im in the shower the dead skin starts to peel off, is that bad? Thank for your input!

Sat Nov 03, 2012 12:45 pm

Immacolata wrote:

It looks bad, but it really does look worse than it is. I had a seriously burned chin from TCA but I just kept it coated with generic Neosporin and it eventually peeled off without scarring.

Keep it coated in antibiotic ointment and don't use anything else other than biological oils like emu, squalane or even olive oil. And next time try not to be so enthusiastic!

Some people swear by vitamin E - maybe break open a capsule and mix it into Neosporin and use that?

I have definitely learned my lesson. Sad

What was the condition of your chin then? Im really curious. Right now, the brownish/pinkish blotch on my right cheek looks like an open wound. The texture is moist even without ointment or any type of cream/oil.

Sat Nov 03, 2012 12:50 pm

jade-1234 wrote:

Wow, this is a very bad burn from the peel! I suggest some aloe vera gel on the affected area to heal/soothe the burn. If it starts flaking and peeling, do not force to peel it yourself. Let it peel on its own.... I will also suggest that you consult a dermatologist (if you can afford it)? Once it is healed completely, you will need a good skin-care regimen to remove and even-out the discoloration from the burn.

Thanks for replying. And yes I'm thinking about getting aloe vera gel, the affected areas have started to sting a bit.

free skin care · Sat Nov 03, 2012 5:04 pm

Nekeneg wrote:

CookieD wrote:

Use an antibiotic ointment. DON'T get one that has pain relief added, just like the regular neosporin. If you can get your hands on something called silver sulfadiazine antibiotic cream it is especially made for burns but you probably need a prescription depending on what country you are in. Also buy some kind of diaper rash cream. Try to get one with the highest amount of zinc in it you can. You need to keep you skin moist and covered with the antibiotic ointment and diaper rash cream until it has had a chance to recover.

You are not going to look pretty for a few days but you should start to peel in 3 to 7 days and it will take up to 10-14 days to total peel off.
You do need to make sure it doesn't get infected.
Make sure you hands are really clean before putting on any kind of ointment.

Hi thank you for your very helpful input. I wish I've read this sooner, I've been using neosporin with pain relief since last night. Confused

How will this affect the healing process and?

Also I'd like to ask if I should keep using copper peptide serum and how often? I don't want to aggrevate my face by rubbing strong chemicals on it I want to make sure that the CP serum is safe. Thanks again!

Hi Nekeneg, it has been a long time since I last did a peel but I think I read somewhere that the
neosporin with pain relief can irritate the skin and sometimes slow down the healing process. If it was me I would hold of on using the copper peptide for at least a week or two. They can be good for the skin and for burns but they can sometimes be to much for the skin right after a peel. Good luck and hang in there. Hopefully you will have soft new skin when it is all said and done.

free skin care · Sat Nov 03, 2012 6:52 pm

Honey is good for healing, especially manuka honey
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5005035_manuka-honey-benefits.html but I've used regular honey on burns and cuts

free skin care · Sat Nov 03, 2012 6:59 pm

Nekeneg wrote:

What was the condition of your chin then? Im really curious. Right now, the brownish/pinkish blotch on my right cheek looks like an open wound. The texture is moist even without ointment or any type of cream/oil.

It was very dark red and swollen. Definitely burned. I was very worried about scarring, but had none. Just much longer down time.

Don't worry too much. Just don't peel it and try to keep it moist. Skin coming off in the shower is normal and desirable - just don't help it along.

I actually would add vitamin E to your antibiotic ointment to help avoid scarring. Although I didn't use it for my burn, yours looks a bit worse. Still, I don't think the damage is permanent.

free skin care · Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:03 pm

Nekeneg, how is your cheek looking today? Has the swelling and pain subsided?

free skin care · Mon Nov 05, 2012 7:16 pm

Do you have LED? If you do, use is 20 mins a day for a few days. Keep the areas moist at all times if possible. Red LED should do the trick. I would avoid blue LED as it can make the skin darker. I would stay away from peptides (copper or others) as they are too active for your tender skin right now. If you had some Nerium AD I would apply some daily if tolerable.

Hope this helps,

Christine Byer
Master Esthetician

free skin care · Wed Nov 07, 2012 1:19 pm

I think you ll recover fully from these burns, but as others have said, pls use neosporin or another antibiotic ointment.. I dont know if you have access to tanamu oil but it's extremely healing and so is red led lights... and stay AWAY from sun, period or use a high spf sunblock! but again, I am sure you ll recover fully, you may have to use something for post inflammatory hyper pigmentation but only after you fully heal... and please dont try to peel your burnt skin, just let it be there and it ll come off when the time is right...

Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:03 pm

I would recommend only using Vaseline or Aquaphor during the healing phase because the other products could cause an allergic reaction. Also, you can use about 1 teaspoon of white vinegar mixed in about a cup of distilled water and mist the skin several times per day. This helps to heal, soften and loosen the skin as well as balance the PH of the skin. You can also use a soft cloth and make a mask with the vinegar/water mixture. Leave it on the skin for 15-20 mins. This is the protocol for deep chemical peels and laser treatments. Use something like Cetaphil to gently wash the skin.

free skin care · Thu Nov 08, 2012 7:03 am

My skin hurts just looking at your pictures! My thoughts are less is more. Keep it simple and moist.

free skin care · Thu Nov 08, 2012 9:43 am

That TCA peel was really really bad. I was shocked when I saw the burn. For sure, there will be dark uneven skin afterwards on her cheeks when it heals. I can already see it coming. Once it is healed, she has to fix that too, but will take some time...

LauraLizzie wrote:

My skin hurts just looking at your pictures! My thoughts are less is more. Keep it simple and moist.

free skin care · Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:54 am

Hi Nekeneg,

I was just wondering how your skin turned out?
Was it ok or did it burn?

Also, did you ever talk to the muac people?
Did they say if that was normal at all?

And were you on retin-a or something prior to the peel that made it more sensitive?

I am about to do a 30% also and want to make sure I do it right!
Thanks

free skin care · Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:43 am

When u have a peel done by a doctor it looks just like that bacause he goes deep. I think she's gonna be fine, I hope Smile

Also very important not to put anything on your skin other than aquaphor or Vaseline. I had a laser micro peel followed by a pro fractional my face and neck were bleeding for a day then my face looked worst than her pictures and very tight. Doctor told me to use only aquaphor n stay away from the sun for the first week (no sunbloc for first week). aquaphor helps relief the thightness and allows the skin to move freely but does not clogue pores because it's molecules r too big to penetrate the skin.

free skin care · Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:54 am

Hasnaa wrote:

When u have a peel done by a doctor it looks just like that bacause he goes deep. I think she's gonna be fine, I hope Smile

Also very important not to put anything on your skin other than aquaphor or Vaseline. I had a laser micro peel followed by a pro fractional my face and neck were bleeding for a day then my face looked worst than her pictures and very tight. Doctor told me to use only aquaphor n stay away from the sun for the first week (no sunbloc for first week). aquaphor helps relief the thightness and allows the skin to move freely but does not clogue pores because it's molecules r too big to penetrate the skin.

Thanks for the post.
How did you like your laser peel and the fractional laser?
I've been looking into lasers a lot lately.
I've have acne scarring to deel with and hyperpigmentation. Lots of fun.
It's seems like the co2 is the biggest benefit for a 1 time treatment but also the riskiest.

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