Retinol rash keeps getting worse after stopping use

[Crybabyo]

Hi!
I used nutrogena healthy defense retinol with sunscreen twice: once in the evening and then the next morning. It's been four days since it was last used and my pain is getting worse and worse as time goes on! Yesterday I woke up with puffy eyes, all over redness, bumps, dryness, pain, and so much itchiness. Today, on top of these symptoms, I have a red bumpy rash on my cheeks and, oddly enough, under my chin where product was not even used. Is this normal for symptoms to progress so long after stopping? I'm traveling and away from home otherwise I'd try to get into a dermatologist. I'm afraid of scarring and wondering if there is anything I can do to stop it from getting worse, and to make it feel better in the meantime. I read that vitamin e could work and I also thought of Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream, but not sure if that would be too clogging.

Ps. another day, worse reaction....I tried vitamin e, hypoallergenic cream, cold washcloths, nothing seems to be helping. It's gotten worse and worse. Today my eyes are so puffy along with the whole face, it looks very bad and feels even worse. So confused.
Thanks!!!  And help!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your face with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your face dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves.If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[jemma116]

If this is an allergic reaction to the nutrogena, you may benefit from applying a calomine based lotion to the skin to help with the itchiness, the pharmacist should be able to recommend the right one.

Also an antihistamine tablet to take by mouth.  

Don't apply any make-ups and wash your face gently with cool water and pat dry.  Don't use any soaps as this can aggravate the condition.

Unfortunately, as you have an allergic reaction, it will take a few days on a course of antihistamines for it to subside.

wishing you a speedy recovery.