The etiology of prolonged erythema after chemical peel.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.