Unna paste

Comedonal acne Salicylic acid 25% Pyruvic acid 40-70% JessnePs solution Unna Paste Glycolic acid 70%... 

Trichloroacetic acid 25-50% lotion Trichloroacetic acid 25-30% gel Unna paste (resorcin 40%)... 

Salicylic acid 25-30% Pyruvic acid 40-60% Jessner s solution Unna Paste Pyruvic acid 40-60%... 

These are only indicated in cases of serious edema or pruritus during the first few days after an aggressive peel. It is always best to start with a short-acting corticosteroid (hydrocortisone or betamethasone). A cortisone-based cream can be used during the first few days after a peel to reduce excessive edema or pruritus. The deeper the peel, the greater is the need for emollients. Hydration after a peel is vital (except after a peel with Unna s paste) the hydrating cream should contain no alcohol or perfumes. 

Kaolin is a white clay mostly made up of silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide and sodium oxide. It was first found in China, in Kao-Ling. European kaolin is formed by the decomposition of feldspath in granite rock in Brittany or Limousin. Kaolin has good absorbent properties and is gentle on the skin it is very well tolerated by very sensitive or reactive skins. It is used for its healing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities and its excellent coverage in Unna s paste formula. 

The formulations for resorcinol paste most often used in the past are shovm in Table 24.1. The preparation of this paste involves a lot of work for the pharmacist, who has to use centrifugation and/or ultrasound. The resorcinol crystals have to be thoroughly ground in a mortar before making up the paste to make sure no big crystals remain in it. The resulting mixture will be more homogenous and easier to spread. Unna s paste does not remain active very long, as it oxidizes rapidly. The doctor should therefore always use a freshly made paste. Another formulation contains resorcinol, olive oil, kaolin, zinc oxide, petrolatum and wool fat. 

According to Unna, the resorcinol paste can be applied again as soon as flaking has finished. We are rarely called upon to repeat an application of resorcinol paste nowadays. The results of an Unna s paste peel remain modest in relation to the complexity of the treatment and the downtime involved, and patients are not prepared to accept these conditions. 

In the allergy test, a small quantity of Unna s paste is applied to a patch of skin 2 cm x 2 cm behind the ear and left for 15 minutes. The test is read immediately and then again 48 hours and 5 days later - although Letessier recommends just one reading, after 4 days. 

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 recurrence of herpes lesions should be anticipated, and preventive treatment should be taken if necessary. Scratch lesions can trigger impetigo on the face. Scratching is the only explanation for signs of infection after a peel with Unna s paste or Jessner s solution. 

Apart from a peel with Unna s paste, after which hydration is not advised. 

Unna s paste Resorcinol 40 g Zinc oxide 10 g Cessatite 2 g Benzoin axungia 28 g Phenol 88 % (fuU strength)... 

Gelatin of Zinc, B,P, (Unna s Paste). Zinc oxide and gelatin, 15 per cent each, with glycerin, 35 per cent w/w and water. 

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