A Split-face Comparative Study of 70% Trichloroacetic Acid and 80% Phenol Spot Peel in the Treatment of Freckles

AIM: To study and compare the efficacy of TCA (70%) and phenol (80%) in the treatment of freckles. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective study was done, over one year, on patients having freckles on the face. The freckles on the right side of the face were treated with TCA (70%) and those on the left side of the face were treated with phenol (80%). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients of Fitzpatrick type II-IV were treated. The freckles on the left side of the face were treated with phenol, while those on the right were treated with TCA in all patients. The patients were reviewed at weekly intervals for three weeks. Evaluation of the results was done photographically, subjectively, and objectively. RESULTS: Fifteen out of 20 patients (75%) noted a complete clearance (90 – 100% lightening) of the lesions treated. Four patients (darker skin types) noted hyperpigmentation. One noticed recurrence where TCA was applied. CONCLUSIONS: Both TCA and phenol are found to be equally effective in the treatment of freckles in fair skin. Both are cheap and effective alternatives for the treatment of freckles.