Analysis of the effectiveness of chemical peelings in the treatment of acne vulgaris assessed using high-frequency ultrasound-A comparative study.

Background The use of high-frequency ultrasound for noninvasive assessment of skin during chemical peeling therapies may be a useful tool. Aims To determine whether high-frequency ultrasound is a useful tool to noninvasive assessment of skin and evaluation therapy progress. Patients/methods The 14 women underwent four treatments with chemical peelings at 2-week intervals. Before, after 4 weeks and after 9 weeks, photographic documentation and scans were recorded using a high-resolution ultrasound system. Results As a result of applying pyruvic acid peeling, the thickness of the entrance echo on the forehead, cheek, and chin was reduced. After applying the peeling consisting of a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids, the thickness of the entrance echo of the epidermis decreased on the forehead, cheek, and chin. As a result of applying a 50% pyruvic acid peeling, the density of dermis on the forehead, cheeks, and chin increased. A similar increase in the density of dermis was observed on the forehead, cheeks, and chin after applying a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acid. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound is a useful tool for monitoring the progress in the treatment of acne vulgaris using chemical peelings.