Prescription Meds Before TCA Peel?

 For light peels such as an 8% TCA, the only medication that is really prescribed on a regular bases is antiviral in cases in which the patient has a history of cold sores. Otherwise, Retin-A and hydroquinone are prescribed by some physicians as a pre-treatment in patients with darker skin types.  

For a light TCA peel such as your 8% TCA, you probably don't need much in the way of meds other than a good sunscreen and cortisone lotion. If you have a history of frequent cold sores or fever blisters, then an antiviral such as Valtrex, Acyclovir or Famvir orally is prescribed and can be started 1-2 days ahead of time but can also be started the day you do your peel and continued for 5 days if no breakouts or 10 days if you get a breatout. Retin A or another Retinol cream is helpful if... more

This is a relatively low strength peel. However, depending on the physician's preference some pretreat with various medications including the use of Retin-A. In some patients prone to herpetic infections (cold sores) the use of antiviral medications are recommended on a prophylactic basis. Other physicians pretreat with anti-inflammatory meds. There are a variety of other pre treatment regimens.