Chemical peels resorcinol

Glycolic acid Jessner s solution Pyruvic acid Resorcinol Salicylic acid Trichloracetic acid Deep chemical peels... 

It is important not to confuse an allergy with the skin s natural response to the chemical peel applied behind the ear. A highly localized and normal skin reaction to the peel will occur erythema followed by flaking. The appearance of any blistering or pruritus contraindicates any further contact with resorcinol completely and definitively. If a patient is allergic, Unna s paste causes reversible facial eczema, with no cosmetic benefit. 

A brief study of the chemistry of the molecules and solutions used in chemical peels immediately questions the hypothesis that acidity is the only basis for the action of peeling solutions. In fact, with the exception of trichloroacetic add (TCA) and non-neutralized glycolic acid solutions, the most commonly used peeling solutions are only weakly acidic, and phenol and resorcinol mixtures may not be acidic at all, having a pH greater than 7 in some formulations. 

Light chemical peels include 20-35% TCA, 70% glycolic acid, and Jessner s solution (resorcinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and ethanol) and penetrate the entire epidermis. These peels are more effective than the very light peels for the treatment of actinic keratoses, solar lentigenes, and epidermal growths such as thin seborrheic keratoses. Skin texture may also be improved. Erythema and scaling will occur postoperatively however healing time is faster if... 

Fig. 3.ia-c. Chemical structures of Jessner s Peel components (a Salicylic acid, b Resorcinol, and c Lactic acid)... 

Tretinoin is usually applied as a 0.05% polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400/ethanol liquid or a 0.05% hydrophilic cream. Daily application results in inflammation, erythema, and peeling of the skin. After 3 to 4 weeks. pu.stular eruptions may be seen, causing the expulsion of microcomedones. Treatment may then be changed to applications every 2 or 3 day.s. Because the homy layer is thinned, the skin is mote susceptible to irritation by chemical or physical abuse. Thus, it is recommended that other kerolytic agents (.salicylic, sulfur, resorcinol, benxoyl peroxide) be discontinued before beginning treatment with tretinoin. 

When making reference, even superficially as we do, to the chemical and pharmacological properties of these diverse molecules, we realize that acidity is far from being the only mechanism of action that causes the previously documented peel-induced modifications of the skin. The pH alone is only destructive in the case of trichloroacetic acid. The other substances act mainly through toxic effects (phenol, resorcinol and, at a lower level, salicylic... 

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