Chemical burn following 50% trichloroacetic acid for acne: Presentation of a case and a focused review

• Main Authors: Hannah Liu, Amor Khachemoune, Rashid M. Rashid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
• Subjects: Trichloroacetic acid; TCA; Chemical burn; Adverse event; Chemical peel; Hyperpigmentation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352241015000444
• ISSN: 2352-2410

Background: Chemical peels are widely used minimally invasive procedures with both cosmetic and medical indications. Although known for their general safety and efficacy, peels can rarely result in significant complications. Objective: Here we report the first case in the peer-reviewed literature of chemical burn from erroneous home use of 50% trichloroacetic acid. Methods: A focused literature review was performed of complications relating to chemical peels. Results: Chemical burns from trichloroacetic acid peels are rare. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported with supporting histopathological data. Conclusions: Physicians must be aware of the potential complications of chemical peels, prevention strategies, and treatment modalities.