Ointments for dry corns

The appearance of dry corns on the soles of the feet and fingers - with or without a shaft - can cause not only discomfort, but also pain, and to solve this problem, there are ointments for dry corns, as well as creams for dry corns and corns.

Indications Ointments for dry corns

Dermatotropic agents with keratolytic action, which include almost all  ointments and creams for corns  and most  creams for corns , are used in dermatology and podiatry for hyperkeratosis (excessive keratinization of the skin) and a number of other pathological conditions with keratinization of the epidermis. [1]

Keratolytic properties that cause active desquamation (exfoliation and exfoliation) of dead cells from the surface of the skin have substances such as salicylic acid (Salicylic acid), urea or urea (Urea pura) and carboxylic alpha hydroxy acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA). So all the means presented in the review are analogues, since they have a keratolytic effect.

Release form

The names of the most effective ointments and creams for dry corns and corns, as well as for dry corns with a stem:

• salicylic ointment  (5-10%);
• Hemosol ointment   with salicylic acid (manufacturer - Gemi, Poland);
• Kerasal ointment - salicylic acid + lactic acid (manufacturer - Spirig Pharma AG, Switzerland-Germany);
• Bensalitin ointment and Mozoil cream - salicylic acid + benzoic acid (produced in the Russian Federation);
• ointment Nemozol - salicylic acid + sulfur (Russian production);
• ointment Solkokerasal - salicylic acid + urea (Polish production);
• ointment Super Antimozolin - salicylic acid + urea + lactic acid (manufacturer of the Russian Federation);
• cream Keratolan with urea (manufacturer - Balkanphama, Bulgaria);
• Ureotop ointment - urea + lactic acid (manufacturer - Dermapharm AG, Germany);
• cream-balm Antimozolin Krok Med - urea + lactic acid + allantoin (manufacturer - PhytoBioTechnologies, Ukraine);
• cream Diaderm - urea + lactic acid, with the addition of olive and essential oils (DiaDerm, RF).

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of these agents is provided by their constituent keratolytic substances.

So, salicylic (2-hydroxybenzoic) acid belongs to beta-hydroxy acids, and in topical preparations it acts, firstly, by slowing down the proliferation of the main cells of the epidermis - keratinocytes, inhibiting the enzyme cholesterol sulfotransferase, which is responsible for the formation of cholesterol sulfate in them.. Secondly, salicylic acid dissolves the stratum corneum by destroying the intercellular cement, which consists of ceramides and cholesterol.

The pharmacodynamics of urea is based on its hygroscopicity: acting on keratinized cells of the epidermis, carbamide retains water in the extracellular matrix. This helps to moisturize the skin and weaken the hydrogen and disulfide bonds of α-keratin molecules on the surface of areas with hyperkeratosis. As a result, the stratum corneum loosens, that is, it becomes soft and easily removed.

Lactic acid provides an epidermolytic effect, it works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and reducing the strength of the intercellular junction, so dead horny cells - which have lost the poisonous keratinocytes of the stratum corneum (corneocytes) - exfoliate and can be removed mechanically.

Allantoin - (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl) urea or glyoxyldiureide, which of the presented products contains only Antimozolin foot balm, is a heterocyclic organic compound - a derivative of urea and glyoxylic acid; acts as a skin protectant and emollient with a keratolytic effect.

But benzoic or benzenecarboxylic acid (Benzoic acid), which is part of such products as Bensalitin and Mozoil, refers to weak carboxylic acids with a bactericidal and antifungal effect.

Pharmacokinetics

In the instructions for external agents, their pharmacokinetics in most cases are not described by manufacturers, and ointments for dry corns are no exception. It is known that only salicylic acid differs in the ability to penetrate into the blood, but within 24 hours after applying salicylic ointment to the skin, the acid is excreted with sweat and urine.

Urea in the composition of ointments does not pass beyond the skin, that is, it does not enter the bloodstream.

Dosing and administration

All ointments and creams containing salicylic acid and / or urea are applied to the affected area after hot foot baths, which contribute to steaming the skin and better penetration of the active substances into the keratinized epidemiology.

Salicylic ointment, Hemosol, Kerasal, Solkokerasal, Nemosol, Bensalitin, Antimozolin Krok Med, Ureotop are applied twice a day for three days, the treated skin area is closed with a patch.

Keratolan is recommended to be applied to the corn two to three times a day.

• Application for children

Ointments containing 5-10% salicylic acid are not used for children up to 12 years of age.

Use Ointments for dry corns during pregnancy

Due to the lack of data on the effect of keratolytic substances on the fetus, their use during pregnancy is not recommended. In cases of extreme necessity, the possibility of using these funds should be discussed with the doctor.

Contraindications

The above remedies are not used in the presence of: hypersensitivity of the skin, chafing, weeping calluses, skin damage at the site of application.

Side effects Ointments for dry corns

The most likely side effects of salicylic acid, urea and lactic acid are irritation and chemical burns of the skin.

Overdose

According to the information provided in the instructions for these drugs, there were no cases of their overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

All keratotic substances that are part of ointments and creams cannot be used simultaneously with topical glucocorticosteroids (hormonal ointments) and external agents based on anthracene derivatives.

Storage conditions

All ointments and creams should be stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

Shelf life

Kerasal and Solkokerasal are suitable for use within 5 years; Nemozol, Antimozolin, Keratolan, Ureotop - 3 years; Mozoyl, Antimozolin Krok Med - 2 years.

Reviews

Best of all, the means indicated in this review cope with corns. Also, most dermatologists and patients give positive feedback on the use of ointment from dry corns, but in advanced cases - when the core of such a corn penetrates too deeply into the subcutaneous tissue - keratolytic agents may be ineffective.