The Etiology of Prolonged Erythema after Chemical Peel

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As the number and methods of skin resurfacing procedures are increasing, there is a small number of patients that develop a prolonged inflammation during the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to correlate risk factors for the development of prolonged postpeel erythema (PPPE) and inflammation. A treatment regimen will be described to eliminate permanent skin changes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review is presented to define and correlate risk factors for the development of PPPE and a treatment protocol is described. The setting is a large multisurgeon aesthetic center. Two-hundred and thirty-six consecutive chemical phenol peels on 196 patients over a 2-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: Eleven percent of patients developed PPPE. Allergy to tape was the only factor significantly correlated with PPPE. All patients had complete resolution of skin changes with appropriate treatment. CONCLUSION: A small population of patients undergoing skin resurfacing procedures will develop prolonged erythema. No major risk factor could be correlated with its development. A treatment plan was devised and was successful in all cases.