KERATOLYTICS
Drugs that are used to treat
hyperkeratosis, a thicken-ing of the stratum corneum, are called keratolytics.
Examples of these agents are salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, and colloidal
or precipitated sulfur. The precise mechanisms by which these agents treat
hyperkeratosis are not known. Presumably, a common property is the ability to
denature keratin, the major structural protein of the epidermis. Other
beneficial effects vary among the different drugs. All of them have
antimicrobial or
antiparasitic properties.
Salicylic acid is a potent antiin-flammatory agent. Urea is highly hygroscopic,
enhanc-ing the ability of tissue to absorb and retain water. Keratolytics are
especially useful for treatment of corns and calluses, warts, palmoplantar keratodermas,
ich-thyoses, and psoriasis. When used in conjunction with topical steroids for
treatment of psoriasis, keratolytics enhance the steroid’s penetration. Urea
may also be used for chemical avulsion of dystrophic nails.
Selenium sulfide is a
cytostatic and sporicidal agent available without prescription in a variety of
shampoos and lotions for treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Higher
concentrations are available by prescription for the treatment of pityriasis
versicolor, which is caused by the yeast M.
furfur, and tinea capitis.
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