Standardizing chemical peel solution formulations to avoid mishaps. Great fluctuations in actual concentrations of trichloroacetic acid.
BACKGROUND
Chemical peeling using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a popular and long utilized procedure in dermatology and cosmetic surgery.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the actual concentration of TCA in four disparate methods of preparation of solutions, expressed in the standard pharmaceutical method of weight to volume (wt/vol).


METHODS
Method I was wt/vol, method II was weight to weight (wt/wt), method III was grams of TCA added to 100 cc water, and method IV was the usage of saturated TCA, and calling it 100%, then making appropriate dilutions. The amounts of TCA in each solution for methods II, III, and IV were converted, by calculation, to the wt/vol method.


RESULTS
The relative concentrations of TCA, ranked by the wt/vol pharmaceutical standard, showed that from strongest to weakest: method IV > method II > method I > method III.


CONCLUSIONS
Tremendous variations were found in the relative concentrations of TCA in these solutions. To avoid mishaps and complications, the wt/vol method should be used.
Bridenstine
J B
JB
Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213.
Dolezal
J F
JF
D002615:Chemexfoliation; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004339:Drug Compounding; D006801:Humans; D012995:Solubility; D012996:Solutions / Q000032:analysis / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000592:standards; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000592:standards; D014867:Water
D012996:Solutions; D014867:Water; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid