I used facial bleach before sleeping last night, and forgot to use sunblock earlier today before sun exposure. Needless to say, I was my face was quite exposed to the sun without protection all day. Now my face is really red. What can I do to reduce the redness?
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at Chat Doctor You seem to have developed an Acute sunburn. Bleaching the day before, did seem to have reduced the threshold for it to occur. If I was the treating doctor I would start you on Oral steroids for a week. Topically, you may use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g. fluticasone propionate 0.05% twice daily for a week. Steroids are anti-inflammatory and therefore bring down the redness and swelling associated with a sunburn. Steroids, oral as well as topical are anti-inflammatory, and I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your vicinity for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as appropriate treatment. An OTC oral antihistamine e.g. cetirizine 10 mg once daily will provide you symptomatic relief from discomfort. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day, whenever outdoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours. Regards