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Keratolytic (/ˌkɛrətoʊˈlɪtɪk/[1][2]) therapy is a type of medical treatment to removewarts,calluses and other lesions in which theepidermis produces excess skin. In this therapy,acidic topical medicines, such asWhitfield's ointment orJessner's solution, are applied to the lesion in order to thin theskin on and around it. This therapy causes the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed.[3]
Keratolytics can also be used to softenkeratin, a major component of the skin. This serves to improve the skin's moisture binding capacity, which is beneficial in the treatment of dry skin. Such agents (keratolytics) includealkalis (byswelling andhydrolysis of skin),salicylic acid,urea,lactic acid,allantoin,glycolic acid, andtrichloroacetic acid.[4]
Whilecytostatic agents such aszinc pyrithione are first line, keratolytics (salicylic acid andsulfur) can also be used in the treatment ofdandruff andseborrheic dermatitis.[5][6]
Sulfur and salicylic acid can also be used to effectively treatacne andcradle cap in some patients.Resorcinol is another keratolytic that is usually combined with sulfur.[4]Urea acts as a keratolytic due to itshygroscopic property.