Treating citrus burns effectively requires understanding how the condition evolves over days and weeks. The acute phase transitions into a stubborn pigmentary phase that can linger for months without proper care.
| Phase | Timeline | Visible Symptoms | Target Intervention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Contact | 0, 2 hours | Asymptomatic; imperceptible furocoumarin binding. | Wash immediately with cool water and gentle soap; shield from light. |
| Acute Inflammation | 24, 72 hours | Intense erythema, severe swelling, blistering, burning pain. | Cool compresses, over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream, oral NSAIDs. |
| Desquamation | 4, 10 days | Ruptured blisters, weeping fluid, thick crusting, peeling. | Bland petrolatum ointments; avoid picking scabs to minimize scarring. |
| Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | 2, 24 weeks | Dark brown or purplish discoloration along the lip line. | Daily mineral SPF 30, 50 lip balms, gentle barrier repair, dermatologic evaluation. |
Tags:
