Salicylic acid ointment peeling of the hands and forearms. Effective nonsurgical removal of pigmented lesions and actinic damage.

A methyl salicylate-buffered, croton oil-containing 50% salicylic acid ointment peel, following pretreatment with topical tretinoin and localized 20% trichloroacetic acid, is extremely effective for removal of lentigines, pigmented keratoses, and actinically damaged skin from the dorsum of the hands and forearms. The ease of application, uniform results, decreased risk of scarring, and one-time application of this peel, in comparison with other methods used for treatment of these aging-skin changes, warrants consideration by the dermatologic surgeon.