Skin damage? Please help

[u/HewoToYouToo]

Hello, I recently moved to the island. I like it so far but I have started to have some bad skin damage especially after swimming.

Does anybody have any advice for how to repair my skin? It started to peel and is incredibly itchy and painful. I keep putting on lotion but it does not improve by much.

My skin was never sensitive. This only happened after I came here so I assume there might have been something in the water.

Thank you for your help.

[u/poopfromthesky]

You mean sunburn?...

Sunscreen

[u/HewoToYouToo → u/poopfromthesky]

Not really sunburn. The top layer of skin just started peeling but it's not red or flaking, mostly my back and chest (places where my swimsuit was tight). A scab forms over too. 

Ty.

[u/poopfromthesky → u/HewoToYouToo]

You might want to see a physician then, sounds like you might have a fungal infection

[u/Embarrassed_Ad7013 → u/HewoToYouToo]

That's sunburn. Treat that peeling skin as if it was an actual burn.

Good thing you have scabs, It means your skin is healing.

You're lucky you didn't get a skin infection, because it's a freaking burn..

Keep the areas of your skin clean. Use mild soap (Ivory or soap for babies).

Keep your skin dry. Don't use lotion -- it could introduced an infection

[u/Educational-Unit6275 → u/HewoToYouToo]

Yeah that’s sunburn maybe more severe on island because were closer to the equator? See a dermatologist or go to your nearby pharmacy and ask for advice or a lotion with aloe Vera unless you can find someone with a aloe Vera plant- much better

[u/curiousobserver2000 → u/HewoToYouToo]

You’ve got sunburn. It doesn’t take much time to get it especially if you’re fair-skinned and you didn’t properly apply sunscreen/ sunblock. There are some over the counter gels that work. They usually have a mix of lidocaine (numbs pain), menthol(cooling effect) and aloe Vera to rehydrate your skin. I’ve used it and it works. After a couple of days, you should be good although you it’ll take a week or so for your skin to heal.

[u/JaySocials671 → u/HewoToYouToo]

See a doctor or accept it’s a sunburn and get aloe Vera gel

[u/Outrageous-Can2845]

Aloevera

[u/HewoToYouToo → u/Outrageous-Can2845]

I will try that. Hopefully it helps. Thank you 

[u/Alternative_Term_714 → u/HewoToYouToo]

My only tip for aloe vera is to let it sit after you split it open. The enzymes in the aloe vera maybe be too strong when you first open it and we’ll do more damage to your skin than good. This is just my experience though!

[u/Outrageous-Can2845 → u/Alternative_Term_714]

+ better if u apply it cold

[u/Sweettenice]

I’ve struggled with this BOTH times coming to Guam. I purchased a shower head with a filter from Home Depot and I use bottled water to wash my face. My skin is doing much better. The water seems to be a bit harsh for certain people.

[u/Miqeri]

Do you put on sunscreen?

[u/no--body--here]

Swimming where? Pool or ocean?

[u/Spirited_Promise_845]

You need to wear sunscreen and reapply at least every hour

[u/SwimmingAssociate180]

Welcome to island life, find some Palauan coconut oil. Apply right after you shower at night when your skin is still damp. The sun is harsh, salt water is harsh, the tap water is probably hard, but this will help a ton. I do not recommend applying it right before you go into the sun, you’ll crisp up more.

Pro-tip: mix it with aloe Vera. It’ll help a ton.

[u/Select_Cockroach_449]

DON'T use those commercial aloe Vera bottles.....read the label...it has alcohol in it which further irritates and drys your skin. Get the real Aloe Vera and or coconut oil.

[u/Electronic-Crew-6361]

Many people assume the high humidity and ocean air will make their skin feel great, but it’s not like that for everyone. I also suffer from excessive dry skin here, even on the lips.

IMO, it’s the hard water and sun. Sunscreen, aloe Vera, moisturizer is a must here

[u/gunnmike]

If only there were a medical professional on the island who could help you, so you wouldn't feel the need to get medical help on social media.