What Causes Redness And Blistering After Putting Garlic On Zits?

Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I put raw garlic and onions on my chin for an hour to get rid of a few zits. Now my skin is red and blistered looking. Will it scar and what should I do? Thanks, XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Irritant dermatitis Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and i have understood it. I would keep a possibility of Irritant dermatitis. No, I wont scar If I was the treating doctor I would have asked you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone twice daily for a week, that should make it fine within a week An oral antibiotic, like Doxycycline 100mg twice daily Or Azithromycin 500mg once every day for 3 consequtive days/week, would have been my choice too. An antibiotic like doxycycline or azithromycin, would take care of both the zits as well as prevent any possible secondary infection of the irritant dermatitis. Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion and avoid soaps. regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

Since its the weekend i will not be able to get into a doctor. What can I do over the weekend to help it heal? Here is a picture.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Topical steroid Detailed Answer: Hi. Got the picture. Thanks. Need to put some topical steroid for a week, to settle down the dermatitis. If you can find Fluticasone propionate OTC, then it would be great OR else you can apply topical cortisone(hydrocortisone), which should be available OTC. An oral antibiotic e.g Amoxycillin 500mg thrice daily for a week OR one of those which I had told you before. regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

I have read online that garlic can cause third degree burn, do you think this is the case on my face?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Irritant dermatitis Detailed Answer: Hi. No. I doubt garlic can cause a third degree burn!! Tell me how is it going, after a 3-5 days. Fluticasone would heal it faster, cortisone would take it a little longer, since it is mild. For Acne, i'll advice you after a week regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar