What should I do if I picked at a spot with my hands and left a red mark?
Nov 15, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
It is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and undergo the above procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. During the recovery process, it is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, avoiding unnecessary irritation or damage to the skin. Treatment methods may include photorejuvenation, chemical peels, laser surgery, cold compresses to reduce redness and swelling, and medication.
In general, if red marks remain after picking at spots, treatments such as photorejuvenation, chemical peels with fruit acids, laser surgery, cold compresses to reduce swelling, and medication may be used under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Photorejuvenation
Photorejuvenation uses intense pulsed light technology to penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration while breaking down pigment particles, thereby fading red marks and whitening the skin. The typical reference cost for photorejuvenation ranges from 3,000 to 20,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually visible within 10–20 days after treatment, although side effects such as skin redness, swelling, or pigmentation may occur.
2. Chemical Peel with Fruit Acids
This treatment uses fruit acids to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells, promote new cell growth, accelerate skin metabolism, and thus fade red marks. The typical reference cost ranges from 1,000 to 12,000 yuan per session. Improvements are generally noticeable within 7–14 days after treatment, though side effects such as dry skin or peeling may occur.
3. Laser Surgery
Laser surgery precisely targets red marks with laser energy to destroy abnormal blood vessels or pigment particles, promoting skin repair and regeneration to reduce discoloration. The typical reference cost ranges from 2,000 to 30,000 yuan per session. Relief is usually observed within 15–20 days post-operation, but potential side effects include scarring.
4. Cold Compress to Reduce Swelling
After picking off a scab, the skin may become swollen and red. Applying a cold compress can help alleviate this. Wrap ice in a clean towel and apply it to the affected area for about 10–15 minutes per session. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
5. Medication
Under a doctor’s supervision, topical medications such as Madecassol cream, urea-vitamin E ointment, or triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream may be used. These medications help reduce inflammatory responses in the affected area, improve local blood circulation, inhibit scar formation, and aid in fading red marks.
If necessary, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these treatments under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure safety and effectiveness. During the healing process, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits is also important, and avoiding unnecessary irritation or damage to the skin should be prioritized.
