THE EFFICACY OF VARIOUS DEGREASING AGENTS USED IN TRICHLOROACETIC-ACID PEELS

BACKGROUND. Adequate preparation of the skin is necessary for a succes sful chemical peel. Little detailed attention has been given to the ef fect of degreasing on the efficacy of the peel. OBJECTIVE. To assess t he influence of degreasers on the peel, compare their flammabilities, and discuss alternatives. METHODS. Six patients with androgenetic alop ecia and widespread actinic keratoses of the scalp were treated with 3 5% trichloroacetic acid. Scalps were divided into sections and degreas ed with acetone, rubbing alcohol, Freon Skin Degreaser, or Hibiclens. The influence of these degreasers on trichloroacetic acid peels was as sessed by clinical and histologic examination. CONCLUSION. Acetone was not found to be superior to the other agents. Furthermore, the flashp oint of acetone is markedly lower than the others, making it more flam mable and hazardous in the workplace. The use of alternative degreaser s may lessen or eliminate this hazard.