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Beta Hydroxy Peels
Beta Hydroxy Acids have been used in skin care for many years. More concentrated forms of these irritating chemical are used to remove the skin's surface to treat warts and sunspots, as well as age spots and sun damage.
Peels of the arms and hands can be difficult. Repetitive superficial peels using other solutions are not particularly effective. More aggressive peeling with high strength acids can give much better cosmetic results but carries with it a higher risk of side effects such as texture changes or pigment loss or scarring. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a commonly offered treatment option for age spots but it is unpleasant and time consuming when treating multiple areas. In addition, white spots and scars are common with cryotherapy. Cryotherapy or strong acid spot treatment is useful for pre treatment of any raised or thickened lesions prior to Beta Hydroxy peeling.
How is it done?The paste is applied in a thick coat over the entire area to be peeled, then covered in plastic wrap. The bandage is left in place for 48 hours. It is possible to get some side effects such as nausea from the absorption of the acid but these are easy to treat.
Side EffectsThese peels have a low incidence of significant complications, and it is difficult for the peel to penetrate too deeply. They are particularly safe for the treatment of hyperpigmented age spots on the hands and arms, and are safe for this purpose where other agents may not be.
Although the procedure is a bit inconvenient the results of Beta Hydroxy peeling are excellent and it remains one of the few ways a satisfactory result can be obtained in removing sun damaged or age damaged skin from the limbs without sigificant side effects.
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