Keratolytic

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Keratolytic (IPA: /ˌkɛrətoʊˈlɪtɨk/) therapy is treatment to remove warts and other lesions in which the epidermis produces excess skin. In this therapy, acid medicine, such as salicylic acid is put on the lesion. Keratolytic therapy thins the skin on and around the lesion. The medicine causes the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed.

Treating Dry Skin: Keratolytics can also be used to soften keratin, a major component of the skin. This serves to improve the skin's moisture binding capacity. Such agents (keratolytics) include urea, lactic acid, and allantoin.

Treating Dandruff: While cytostatic agents such as Zinc Pyrithione, found in shampoos such as Head and Shoulders are first line, keratolytics (salicylic acid and sulfur) can also be used.

Treating Cradle Cap: Use mild keratolytics: Meted (tradename) and Sebulex (tradename). Both of these drugs are combinations of salicylic acid and sulfur.

Treating Acne: Sulfur (SAStid soap = trade name) and salicylic acid (Stridex =trade name) can be used to treat acne; however, sulfur products sometimes can make acne worse. Rosorcinol is another keratolytic that is usually combined with sulfur.

[edit] See also

• Treatment of warts by keratolysis