Chemical peels (incl JAAD CME Aug 2019) Flashcards
In chemical peels, the agent used is usually an acidic solution.
T
For patients with extensive AKs, superficial peels should be used.
F Medium-depth peels.
Pre-treatment with tretinoin or AHAs is contraindicated prior to chemical peels.
F
recommended for 4-6 wks prior
Superficial peels penetrate to the epidermis/papillary dermis.
T
Medium peels can penetrate to the mid-reticular dermis.
F
Upper reticular dermis.
Deep peels can penetrate to the deep-reticular dermis.
F
mid-reticular dermis.
UVA radiation penetrates deeper in the skin than UVB
T
Topical tretinoin pre-treatment prolongs wound healing after medium-depth and deep-depth chemical peels.
F
Accelerates wound healing.
AHAs exert their epidermal effect at the level of the stratum corneum and granulosum junction.
T
AHAs can reverse the histologic signs of photoageing.
T
Sunscreens should be used regularly for 3 months prior to a chemical peel and continued indefinitely after the peel.
T
Hydroquinone should not be used prior to chemical peels.
F
Prophylactic antivirals are not needed prior to chemical peels.
F
Start day prior to peel, continue 10-14days.
Risks of chemical peels include stinging, burning sensation, visible peeling, scaling, milia formation, pigmentary changes, persistent erythema, infections and rarely scarring.
T
Persistent erythema is a sign of impending scarring
T
The use of AHAs has been shown to reverse histologic signs of photoaging
T
Used regularly for 3/12 AHAs showed a 25% increase in epidermal and papillary thickness, increase in mucopolyaccharides, improved quality of elastic fibres and increased collagen density
F
6/12
Active viral, bacterial or fungal infection preclude chemical peeling until there is complete resolution.
T
It is safe to perform a chemical peel if isotretinoin has been taken anytime prior to the procedure.
F
Must wait 6-12 months (impaired wound healing, increased risk of scarring).
The AHAs have been used as an adjunct to tretinoin therapy without increasing adverse sequelae
T
Patients who’ve had prior facial XRT are at higher risk for scarring after chemical peels.
T
Due to diminished adnexal structures (from where re-epithelialisation originates).
There is no need to delay chemical peels after facial surgery.
F
Should wait 6 months or more.
Smokers have increased rates of infection after chemical peels.
T
Superficial chemical peels work by exfoliating all or part of the epidermis, which leads to mild stimulation of collagen formation in the superficial papillary dermis.
T
Melasma, ephelides and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are not indications for superficial peeling.
F
Acne vulgaris is an indication for superficial chemical peel
T
Photoaging and fine rhytides are an indication for superficial chemical peel.
T
There is usually a significant effect noted after one superficial chemical peel.
F
Usually need 3-6 peels, in conjunction with topical home regimen
Multiple superficial peels will produce the same result as one deeper chemical peel.
F
Tretinoin should not be used topically for 2-4 days prior to a superficial chemical peel
T
To ensure intact epidermis
A bleaching agent should not be used in patients with darker skin types or pigmentary disorders until after the chemical peel.
F
Best to start prior to peeling.
Without topical agents, the skin will return to before-peel condition within 2 years.
T
Superficial chemical peels can be used on all Fitzpatrick skin types.
T
Glogau’s classification is a measure of photoageing.
T
Sebaceous gland density does not effect the depth of a peel.
F
The area treated does not effect the depth of a peel
F
The technique of application is a significant determinant of the depth of a peel
T
The sable brush has been shown to deliver the greatest quantity of solution when used as a peel applicator.
T
The response to a chemical peel is not affected by pressure or rubbing during application
F
The condition of the skin and the skin preparation technique can influence the depth of peeling
T
Seborrhoeic dermatitis may cause a peeling solution to penetrate less deeply
F
More deeply
Thicker and more sebaceous skin is less susceptible to the peeling agent.
T
Non-facial areas can be treated with peeling agents of any depth
F
Should only use superficial peeling agents
When peeling with AHA agents, the concentration of the solution is increased and the length of time that the acid is left on is reduced
T
Hand-held fans can be utilised effectively to minimise discomfort during a chemical peel.
T
Trichoroacetic acid 10-50% is a commonly used superficial peeling agent.
F
10-25%.
If the frost from TCA is unexpectedly rapid or intense water neutralization may dilute the effect if applied within 1 minute
F
Within 30 seconds
A solution of TCA 25% consists of 25g in 100mL of normal saline
F
Distilled water
With lower concentrations of TCA, mild erythema or whitish speckling may be evident
T
Repeated applications of TCA may be made to areas that don’t frost.
T
If frosting is rapid or intense after TCA application, the effect can be diluted if water is applied within 2 minutes.
F
Within 30 seconds
If stinging occurs after TCA application, it tends to crescendo for 2 minutes, then subside.
T
White frosting produced by TCA resolves within 1-2 days.
F
1-2 hours
Light peels can be performed weekly for acne vulgaris at concentrations of 10-15% TCA with minimal downtime.
T
Applications of 25-35% TCA may take 14 days to heal within darkening of the face for 5-7 days and fine desquamation on days 3-6.
F
5-7 days to heal, darkening for 2-3 days.
Jessner’s solution consists of: resorcinol 14g, salicylic acid 14g, lactic acid 14g, and ethanol 95% per 100ml.
T
The salicylic acid in Jessners solution fluoresces under the woods light, which is another method that can be used to ensure even cover
T
Frosting usually occurs with Jessner’s solution application.
F
Just erythema and white speckling.
Jessner’s peels are usually followed by 2-3 days of light white desquamation.
T
AHAs are naturally occurring organic acids extracted from fruit, sugar cane, and other foods.
T
Glycolic acid is the most commonly used AHA in superficial peeling.
T
AHAs cannot be used on Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI.
F
Glycolic acid 70% peels have been shown to be equivalent to Jessner’s solution for efficacy in active acne.
T
For AHA peels, low pH solutions (pH2) create more necrosis and improve efficacy
F
More necorsis without improving efficacy.
70% glycolic acid can be used unbuffered and unneutralised.
T
An abrasive skin cleansing regimen should be used prior to AHA peels in order to de-grease the skin.
F
Should avoid – can increase depth of penetration.
Glyocolic acid should be applied with cotton balls rather than gauze to avoid abrasive effects of rubbing.
T
It is unnecessary for the physician to stay in the room during an AHA peel
F
Need to observe for ‘hot spot’ erythema.
AHA can be neutralised with a 5% sodium bicarbonate solution with multiple rinses.
T
Indicators to neutralise the AHA solution include unusual degree of patient discomfort, mild erythema, or adequate time interval.
T
Time dependency is not a factor in glycolic acid peeling.
F
Unique factor must time and neutralise this peel
Salicylic acid can be used solo in 20-30% solutions for superficial peeling.
T
Salicylic acid peels can cause white precipitation within 2-3 days.
F
White precipitation occurs immediately.
Salicylic acid peels are self-limiting and there is no need for timing or neutralisation
T
There is a tendency for great discomfort immediately following salicylic acid chemical peels
F
There is very little discomfort due to the anaesthetic properties of SA