Salicylic Acid + Lactic Acid

Indications

This is a topical solution indicated in the treatment of warts, corns and calluses.

Information For Patients

  • Warts: A wart is a viral infection of the surface layers of the skin. The incubation period varies from a few weeks to several months. Warts can spread by direct contact with a wart to damaged skin.
  • Corns: A corn is a small, hardened area of skin which often looks yellow compared to the surrounding skin. It is typically round or cone-shaped, pointing down into the skin. Corns most often form on the feet and sometimes on the hands and are caused by constant or repeated friction or pressure.
  • Calluses: A callus is rough, thickened skin spread over a wide area. Like a corn, it is caused by constant or repeated friction or pressure, but unlike corns, calluses are flat and have normal skin markings.

Pharmacology

Salicylic acid is a widely used and effective keratolytic, it produces desquamation and destruction of the epithelium by solubilising the intercellular cement of the Stratum Corneum. Lactic acid affects the keratinisation process, reducing hyperkeratosis and is also caustic, leading to the destruction of hyperkeratotic tissue. Collodion is derived from cellulose in a base containing ethanol and ether. It allows easy and accurate application of the product and dries to leave a film which hydrates the tissue and facilitates penetration of the active ingredients.

Dosage And Administration

Unscrew bottle cap and with the help of brush applicator, apply to the affected areas. ‘Before starting to use this topical solution, unscrew the fitted cap, discard it. Carefully remove the plug away from your body to avoid splashing into eyes/ face and discard it, replace with the brush applicator cap provided in
the sealed polybag given in the carton. This topical solution should be applied to the affected areas once daily, according to the following instructions:

  1. Soak affected site in hot water for five minutes.
  2. Rub surface carefully with pumice stone or emeryboard to remove any hard skin. Dry with your own towel.
  3. Apply this topical solution using the brush applicator supplied, taking care to avoid contact with normal skin.
  4. Allow to dry thoroughly and cover with plaster if lesion is large or on the foot to help penetration of active ingredients.
  5. Continue treatment once daily until the lesion is completely cleared and the ridge lines of the skin have been restored or when the corn can be removed.
  6. The usual treatment period is 6 to 12 weeks.

Interaction

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Contraindications

Not for prolonged use in high concentrations and on large areas of the body. Impaired peripheral circulation or diabetes. Avoid broken skin, mouth, eyes, mucous membranes and anogenital region.

Side Effects

Stinging, burning, or irritation of the skin,Itching, prolonged use over a large skin area may cause salicylate toxicity, ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus), Diarrhoea, Vomiting.

Pregnancy And Lactation

Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Precautions And Warnings

This preparation is formulated for the controlled corrosion of keratin and thus care should be taken to apply the product to the affected area only. Do not use on the face or anogenital regions or if you are diabetic or have impaired circulation. Do not use on moles, birthmarks or unusual skin growths. Do not treat warts over large areas at one time, or use on infants and very young children unless on medical advice. For External Use Only.

Overdose Effects

Excessive topical use may result in burning, particularly of normal skin. Following excessive topical use, apply emollients as required. Following ingestion, administer copious quantities of water and antacids as required. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Therapeutic Class

Combined preparations.

Storage Conditions

In view of its high inflammability, it is recommended that Salicylic Acid & Lactic Acid be stored in a cool place not exceeding 25°C. Keep away from naked flame. Keep out of reach of children. Since this topical solution is volatile, close the bottle tightly after each use.