Damaged Skin From Protopic?

[jta25]

Hello, I've had some major skin issues going on for about the last 6 months. Last Feburary, I decided to go and see a dematologist for some dry skin/facial redness that I was having. The dermatologist wanted to try some metrogel first to see if my problems would clear up. after a few weeks, I went back for a checkup and my skin was about the same, if not a little worse than before. Since that didn't work, they wanted to try a fairly new ointment called protopic. Since it is an expensive medication, they gave me a sample to try and sent me home. All they told me was not to be alarmed if I experience some burning sensations in my skin, but it should go away after a few days of use. Went home that night and put it on my cheeks and my forehead, and my skin was burning the entire night. Got up the next morning, and applied protopic again, then went to the tanning bed, because I was getting ready to go off on a cruise(i've since learned that tanning is very bad for you, and haven't been back since!). After getting out of the tanning bed, I looked at myself, and my face was a deep shade of red that I had never seen before. At first, I thought I had just gotten burned from the tanning bed, and that it would go away. Boy was I wrong. It has now been 6 months, my face is flushed deep red 24 hours a day. It's just red in the exact areas that I applied protopic to my skin. I only used protopic those 2 times, but the burning sensation in my face never went away. I can't sleep at night because my face feels like it's on fire, and I can feel the heat comming off of my pillow. I did go home after using protopic and going to the tanning bed, and did some research. I then found that by using protopic and going into the sun, or using tanning beds, can cause damage your skin. I'm now afraid that I have caused permanent damage to my face. Has anyone else experienced the same problem as me?? My job requires me to be out on the road and around new people all the time. I now have developed major social anxiety. I get looked at and laughed at everywhere I go, I'm completely miserable. I really feel like this dematologist should have given me some warnings on what to avoid while using the sample of protopic. I have since changed to a new dermatologist, and she is recommending some laser surgery to try to get the redness out. Does anyone know if that would also make this burning sensation go away?? Is there some kind of test they can do to see if there was any damage that was done to any of the layers of skin on my face?? It's also like my face has now become so overly sensitive, that I can't wash my face with anything anymore without it getting extremely hot and red. Water even seems to irritate it! Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should be using? I have tried so many different facial products over the last 6 months, and I'm at a loss. I always look for the products geared toward redness and sensitive skin, but all they seem to do is make my skin react bad. I'm also having to use a skin concealer to try to cover up whenever I go out. With being a guy, that is extremely hard for me to do! I'm always so afraid that people notice that I'm wearing makeup, I hate it! Sorry for writing a book, I just would like to know if i'm alone with this problem, or if maybe someone else is going through the same thing as I am? If anyone would like to see a picture of my skin, let me know and I would be more happy to send it. I'm just hoping for a solution someday! Thanks!

[NoLifeKing]

I know this is a shot in the dark, but did this ever resolve for you?

[ctoots]

Did your skin return to normal / improve? I am having a similar reaction to protopic and found your post. I would be grateful for any help. Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you have had is a chemical burn because sun exposure after applying protropic is dangerous. Apply cool compresses on the area and wash it with(not very cold) water. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry. Also use an Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera and a light moisturizer.

If the symptoms still persist then you should consult a dermatologist and discuss the option of dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.