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Peeling agents: toxicological and allergological aspects
Author(s) -
Cassano Nicoletta,
Alessandrini Giuseppe,
Mastrolonardo Mario,
Vena Gino Antonio
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.1999.tb00838.x
Subject(s) - medicine , resorcinol , intensive care medicine , dermatology , salicylic acid , risk analysis (engineering) , organic chemistry , chemistry , genetics , biology
Background The use of peeling agents is very common in clinical practice. However, despite the overall good safety profile, it is not without any inherent risk; therefore, clinicians should be adequately informed about potential risk in order to avoid or prevent them. Objective This paper reviews toxicological and allergological aspects of peeling agents in general, also beyond their actual use in peeling procedures. Toxic and allergic reactions from peeling agents are rather uncommon and have been rarely reported in association with the medical use of peels. Methods Systemic toxic effects may essentially derive from phenol and potentially from two phenol derivatives, resorcinol and salicylic acid. A complete understanding of the toxicological profile of peeling agents, along with a correct execution of the technique and a carefully selection of patients, can help avoid serious side effects. Results Allergic contact reactions occur most frequently with resorcinol, while most peeling agents are only rare sensitizers or appear to be free of true sensitizing power. Other types of hypersensitivity response seem to be very rare.