Phenol post-peel care

The care required for the skin and patient after an application of phenol largely depends on the formulation and the doctor s experience. 

Publications on peels mention different possibilities, and once again it is the formula used that determines the application procedure and the need for an occlusive or open technique. 

Both techniques have been described as giving excellent results. The following discussion weighs up the pros and cons of occlusion. 

The doctor may find it easier and quicker not to apply an occlusive mask, but this is a hasty conclusion applying an occlusive mask is a simple procedure and can be done in the obligatory rest periods between each treatment area. No time is wasted. 

The occlusive mask improves patient comfort the skin liquefies beneath the mask, and the liquefied integuments do not drip on the skin. The occlusive mask prevents the skin from sticking to clothes or pillows. When an occlusive mask is put in place, the patient can apply a cooling cold pack to alleviate the painful burning sensation, whereas with the open technique, direct contact with the skin is not possible. 

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Phenol does not usually require any specific preparation, but needs careful post-peel care. 

Phenol entails the most complex post-peel care occlusive masks, healing masks and cosmetic care during the months following the peel. Chapters 25-36 are devoted to this technique. The expected downtime is between 7 and 15 days, depending on the formula used. The patient will have to wear camouflage make-up to hide any redness, which can last for several weeks or months. 

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