I know - the differing info is crazy. The nurses told me that they apply it later as it takes about 10 treatments before the damaged cells rise to the surface and the skin gets pink. The damage happens below the surface. So mepital is applied around then and kept intact until the end.
I opted not to use it - with the frequent hot flashes and sweats I have, plus I like to jog and I drip sweat, I am using strata XRT that has been recommended on here because i can wash it off and reapply in every day. I only had my 9th treatment today so I hope it works well.