Focal trichloroacetic acid peel method for benign pigmented lesions in dark-skinned patients.
BACKGROUND
Benign pigmented lesions, including seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigines, melasma, and freckles, are common disorders, and various treatment modalities have been tried. We suggest a technique consisting of focal trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel applied by pressing firmly onto the focal lesions.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical effects of focal TCA peel on pigmented lesions in dark-skinned patients.


METHODS
An analysis was conducted of 106 patients with benign pigmented lesions who were treated using focal TCA peel. Seborrheic keratosis was treated with 65% focal TCA peel, solar lentigines, and freckles with 50% to 65% focal TCA peel, and melasmas with 10% to 50% focal TCA peel. Patients had Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V.


RESULTS
Patient treatment data indicated that 19 of 23 (83%) patients with seborrheic keratosis, 42 of 49 (86%) patients with solar lentigines, 8 of 14 (58%) patients with freckles, and 11 of 20 (55%) patients with melasma experienced a good clinical response. Good satisfaction rates in the seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigines, freckles, and melasma groups were recorded. No significant complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The focal TCA peel method presented in this study is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions with no significant complications.
Chun
Eun Young
EY
Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, Korea.
Lee
Jung Bock
JB
Lee
Kwang Hoon
KH
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002424:Caustics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017492:Keratosis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D002424:Caustics; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid