Are Chemical Peel Burns Permanent

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Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.

There are a number of reasons people may get chemical peels. They may be trying to treat a variety of things, including:

• wrinkles and fine lines
• sun damage
• acne scars
• hyperpigmentation
• scars
• melasma
• uneven skin tone or redness

What type of chemical peels can I get?

There are three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:

• Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
• Medium peels, which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
• Deep peels, which fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid.

Are Chemical Peel Burns Permanent

A chemical burn is damage to tissue on your body due to a harsh or corrosive substance. You can get chemical burns on your skin, eyes or inside of your body. Most chemical burns are the result of accidentally spilling a chemical on yourself. But it’s also possible to swallow chemicals or get exposed to them in other ways.

Chemical burns range from mild to severe. Mild chemical burns usually heal quickly, but severe chemical burns can cause permanent tissue damage, scarring or death. Chemical burns require immediate medical treatment.

Who’s at risk for chemical burns?

Anyone who works with chemicals is at risk for chemical burns, including:

• Construction workers.
• Factory workers.
• Farmers.
• Laboratory technicians.
• Mechanics.
• Military personnel.
• Plumbers.

It’s important to note that children (especially toddlers) are at a high risk for burns caused by household chemical products. They may accidentally touch or swallow detergents, bleach or cleaning products.

How much do chemical peels cost?

Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.

The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.

How is a chemical peel done?

Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. Your face will be cleaned, and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be applied.

Your doctor may numb the area with a topical anesthetic, especially if you’re receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, your doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep peels, you’ll also be given an IV, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.

Light peel

During a light peel a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the area being treated. The skin will start to whiten, and may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.

Medium peel

During a medium chemical peel, your doctor will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to your face. This may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. A blue color may be added to the trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as a blue peel. The skin will begin to whiten, and your doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, though they may give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin. If you’ve had the blue peel you will have a blue coloring of your skin that may last for several days after the peel.

Deep peel

During a deep chemical peel, you will be sedated. The doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin. This will turn your skin white or gray. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, to limit the skin exposure to the acid.

Chemical peel treatment for burn

Chemical burns are skin wounds that occur due to a strongly acidic or alkaline substance. Some skin care products or treatments may be acidic enough to cause one.

Anyone who feels any discomfort when using a skin care product should not attempt to leave it on the skin. Burning and pain are not signs that the product is working as it should. Rather, they are signs that it is damaging the skin.

The symptoms of a chemical burn include:

• skin discoloration or inflammation
• a burning sensation
• pain
• numbness
• blistering
• peeling

If any of these symptoms occur after applying a skin care product, a person should immediately remove any contaminated clothing and wash the skin with clean running water for 20 minutes. It is important to avoid contact with the runoff water.

If the product is on the face, a person can do this by tipping their head over a sink, bath, or shower basin before pouring water from a jug. Alternatively, they could use a showerhead.

After washing the skin thoroughly, it is advisable to speak with a doctor. Doctors do not recommendTrusted Source systemic medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, to treat chemical burns. However, they may wish to prescribe a topical antibiotic or low strength steroid cream to prevent infection.

If the burn is severe, it is essential to go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

Healing a chemical burn from skin care

After a person has received treatment for the burn, they must take steps to let the skin heal. These may involve:

• keeping the skin clean
• avoiding the use of any potentially irritating products
• applying a topical medication
• applying petroleum jelly to keep the affected area moist
• monitoring the wound for signs of infection
• staying out of the sun

It can be helpful to tell a doctor which product caused the burn. If possible, a person can take the product or ingredients label to show the doctor. They will be able to advise on how best to care for the skin until it heals and which products to use or avoid.

How might skin care products cause a burn?

Some skin care products contain acids, which exfoliate the face by dissolving the outermost layer of skin cells and oil. Most over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain these acids are weak, with a pH of about 4Trusted Source. This is not dissimilar to the skin’s natural pH, which is slightly acidic.

However, stronger products do exist, particularly in chemical peels. Usually, only qualified professionals can carry out these stronger peels, but some people may attempt to use them at home.

Alternatively, a person might use a weak or moderate strength product too often, which could also result in skin damage.

Below are some of the skin care ingredients that may cause burns or burn-like symptoms.

AHAs

AHAs are a group of acids that exfoliate the skin. They can helpTrusted Source with:

• smoothing lines and wrinkles
• improving surface texture and tone
• unblocking pores
• improving skin condition

However, they can cause adverse effects, such as:

• burning
• blistering
• peeling

BHAs

BHAs are another type of acid with slightly different properties to AHAs. Salicylic acid is one of the most popular, and it is an ingredient in many treatments for acne due to its ability to unblock pores. It may also be present in topical treatments for:

• oily skin
• warts
• psoriasis
• seborrheic dermatitis

Salicylic acid comes in a variety of forms, with concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 30%. Higher concentrations may produce stinging, irritation, or burns, which may manifest as:

• irritation
• flushing or discoloration
• unusually warm skin

Other causes of burn-like symptoms

In addition to chemical burns, the ingredients in some skin care products may cause other types of burns or symptoms that are similar to a burn. These include:

Retinol burn

Retinoids, such as retinol, are forms of vitamin A. They are present in many skin care products but can cause what some refer to as “retinol burn.” Unlike burns from acids, retinol burn is not a true chemical burn but a form of skin irritation.

The symptoms of retinoid irritation can include:

• discoloration or inflammation
• blistering
• stinging
• swelling

Using retinoids for the first time, for extended periods, or at high strengths may lead to retinol burn. Sometimes, the symptoms get better as the skin adjusts to the product, but if they do not improve, it is important to speak with a dermatologist.

Sunburn

AHAs and BHAs increase skin sensitivity to UV light from the sun, as well as tanning beds. Retinoids also haveTrusted Source this effect.

Therefore, if someone uses these ingredients and then has exposure to the sun, they may develop a burn. Wearing sunscreen every day during the treatment and for 1 week afterwardTrusted Source can help prevent this. People undergoing chemical peels may need to avoid UV exposure entirely for some time.

The symptoms of sunburn can include:

• warm, tender skin
• soreness
• blistering
• redness, in people with light skin

Contact dermatitis

Skin care products and cosmetics can contain irritants and allergens. Sometimes, these cause contact dermatitis, which is a type of eczema. The symptoms may include:

• a rash
• itching
• burning
• peeling or flaking skin
• irritation of the nose, eyes, and mouth

Some ingredients in skin care products that can potentially cause contact dermatitis includeTrusted Source:

• fragrances
• dyes
• preservatives

How to prevent chemical burns from skin care

The best way to avoid getting a burn when using skin care products is to follow the instructions either on the product label or from a dermatologist. A person should never use a product more frequently than it states on the label, unless a doctor says otherwise.

If a person is trying AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids for the first time, it is best to start off with a low concentration or strength. They can introduce one product at a time, patch testing it on a small area of the skin before using it on the rest of the face.

People may benefit from using a small quantity of the new product once a week to begin with before working up to the recommended amount or frequency.

In general, it is advisable to avoid using multiple products that contain active ingredients, such as acids, at the same time. Instead, a person should use such products for just one step in their skin care routine. For example, they might use a toner with acids in it but then avoid this ingredient in their cleanser or moisturizer.

Finally, it is essentialTrusted Source to wear adequate sunscreen while using acids or retinoids.

When to seek help for chemical burns due to skin care

A person should speak with a doctor if they experience:

• a reaction to a product that does not improve after they stop using it
• signs of infection, such as warm skin, swelling, pus, or fever
• frequent rashes or burns of unknown origin

Immediate medical help is necessary if a skin care product causes:

• severe burning or pain
• a rash that spreads rapidly
• skin blistering
• swelling in the mouth, lips, or throat

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• wheezing
• fast, shallow breathing
• a fast heart rate
• clammy skin
• anxiety or confusion
• dizziness
• vomiting
• blue or white lips
• fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
2. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
3. Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.