Solid carbon dioxide: Usage in slush or block form as therapeutic agent in dermatology

Abstract

The use of solid carbon dioxide (CO2) in dermatology is valuable to treat acne vulgaris, acne excoriee and as an adjunct in chemical peeling for the treatment of photo-aging and depressed scarring. This cryosurgical option is a cost-effective, viable treatment in the twenty-first century in the face of a flood of expensive devices for contemporary consideration. At-78 °C, a block of solid dry ice can be slushed in acetone and alcohol to efface comedones and promote more even healing of excoriated lesions. In addition, the combination of solid carbon dioxide followed immediately by trichloroacetic acid as a medium depth chemical peel has a place in the armamentarium of treatment in a series of over 4000 cases with a wide margin of safety in lighter skin types.