Glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of acne

Background Glycolic acid chemical peels have been widely accepted as a usef ul modality in many cutaneous conditions characterized by abnormalities of keratinization. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of glycolic peels in the main clinical forms of acne. Methods Between January 1995 and December 1996, 80 women, aged 13-40 years, were visited for acne and selected for the study at the Cagliari Universit y Dermatology Department (Italy). The type and severity of acne in each pat ient was assessed following the Leeds technique. The chemical peels were pe rformed with a 70% glycolic acid solution, for times that varied in a range between 2 and 8 minutes. The number and frequency of the applications depe nded on the intensity of the clinical response. Results The main clinical f orms were comedonic acne in 32 cases, papulo-pustolar acne in 40 cases and nodule-cystic acne in the remaining eight cases The most rapid improvement was observed in comedonic acne. In the papulo-pustular forms an average of six applications was necessary. Although nodular-cystic forms required eigh t to ten applications, a significant improvement of the coexisting post-acn e superficial scarring was noted. The procedure was well tolerated and pati ent compliance was excellent. Conclusion Glycolic acid chemical peels are an effective treatment for all types of acne, inducing rapid improvement and restoration to normal looking skin. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.