Salicylic acid peels patient preparation

The patient consulted us regarding macular acne scarring. After preparation with sunscreens and 10% glycolic acid lotion at night for 2 weeks, she was treated with 30% salicylic acid peels once a month for 3 consecutive months. Figure 13.6 shows the remarkable improvement of skin texture and macular spots. 

Salicylism, or salicylic acid toxicity, is characterized by rapid breathing, tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and central nervous system reactions. It has been reported with 20% salicylic acid applied to 50% of the body surface, and it has also been reported with use of 40 and 50% salicylic acid paste preparations [7]. The author has peeled more than 1,000 patients with the current 20 and 30% marketed ethanol formulations and has observed no cases of salicylism. 

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