Trichloroacetic acid for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis with or
without Rhinorrhea
Abstract
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is well known in recent decades mostly
through its application in cosmetology as a chemical peeling agent.
However, it has been also used for chemosurgery across various medical
specialties. TCA was first introduced to the local treatment of airborne
allergies and rhinorrhea in the late 1980s and has since then widely
studied, mostly in Japan, the Middle East, and Brazil. Numerous reports
suggest that the nasal application may be effective and safe even in
high concentrations. In this review, we are discussing the topical TCA
application for local treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis, a
management option that is not well known in Europe and the Western
hemisphere. We believe that TCA fits the ideal category for medication,
being inexpensive, readily available, easy-to-use, and safe. We
postulate its potential efficacy and urge consideration of new clinical
trials. Local delivery of TCA in the form of contact application
directly to the nasal cavity has a preventive effect neutralizing
allergen entry points by blocking receptor cells and have therapeutic
benefit for those in whom conventional therapies are ineffective or
unpractical, and especially in areas or limited medical and financial
resources.