Excellent clinical results with a new preparation for chemical peeling in acne: 30% salicylic acid in polyethylene glycol vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Chemical peeling by salicylic acid in ethanol or another vehicle may be accompanied by stinging and burning followed by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in the treated area, or salicylism. We have developed a new formulation: 30% salicylic acid in polyethylene glycol (SA-PEG). A topical application of SA-PEG remodels photodamaged skin in mice and humans, without systemic absorption.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SA-PEG for clinical use in the treatment of acne.


METHODS
We evaluated the effects of the preparation histologically in mice and its safety and efficacy in 44 volunteers with normally aged skin and in 436 patients with acne.


RESULTS
Histologic studies in animals showed no inflammatory changes in the skin following topical application of SA-PEG. Volunteers noted an improved skin texture. In the acne patients, the comedones and papules disappeared, resulting in an excellent outcome. There was a notable absence of stinging and burning, edema, bleeding, or crusting in the treated area.


CONCLUSIONS
The SA-PEG preparation appeared to be safe and effective, with minimal associated inflammation or adverse effects, even in Asian patients who tend to develop hyperpigmentation or keloids. This preparation is thus ideal for chemical peeling.
Dainichi
Teruki
T
Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. dainichi@med.kurume-u.ac.jp
Ueda
Setsuko
S
Imayama
Shuhei
S
Furue
Masutaka
M
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D002615:Chemexfoliation; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D020156:Salicylic Acid