Stinging resolves in several minutes. Trichloroacetic acid chemical peels, on the other hand, cause moderately intense stinging for about 10 minutes. After this resolves, the skin feels flushed and warm but without discomfort. A fan is provided during the procedure to cool the skin and relieve some of the stinging sensation. Medications to relax the patient and provide pain relieve are usually not needed, but available.
Little discomfort is experienced during the healing phase.
Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to a sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial chemical peels involve redness, followed by scaling that resolves in 2-4 days. Medium depth chemical peels also result in swelling and light crusting of the skin. The skin heals over a period of 7-14 days. As the skin heals some tingling and itching may occur.