Letter in response to: ‘Efficacy of salicylic acid peel in dermatophytosis’

Sir,

We read with great interest the recently published work entitled ‘Efficacy of salicylic acid peel in dermatophytosis’ by Saoji et al.¹, who have nicely described a new treatment modality in cases of dermatophyte infections which are not responding to routine antifungal drugs.

Although it provides a lot of information in a brief report, we would like to draw attention to few points that, we think, if added, will complete the report.

First, pre-peel precautions, such as covering of sensitive areas like scrotum with petroleum jelly and quick application of salicylic acid should be kept in mind while performing the procedure.²

Second, when the salicylic acid peel is applied, it crystallises forming a pseudo-frost. It is then washed with water after three to five minutes. The skin is gently dried with gauze and the patient is asked to wash with cold water until the burning subsides. Bland moisturisers should be prescribed post-procedure for dryness and the patient should be asked to avoid peeling or scratching of skin.²

Finally, few common local side effects of salicylic acid need to be mentioned and explained, such as prolonged erythema, intense exfoliation, crusting, dryness and pigmentary dyschromias, as salicylic peel is done over extensive areas in this study.³