Ointments for dry calluses

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

Indications dry blister ointment

Dermatotropic agents with keratolytic action, which include almost all ointments and creams for corns and most creams for calluses, 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, causing active desquamation (peeling and exfoliation) of dead cells from the skin surface, have such substances as salicylic acid (Salicylic acid), urea (Urea pura) and carbonic alpha-hydroxy acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA). So all the products 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 calluses and corns, as well as dry calluses with a core:

• salicylic ointment (5-10%);
• Hemozol 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);
• Nemozol ointment - salicylic acid + sulfur (Russian production);
• Solcokerasal ointment - salicylic acid + urea (Polish production);
• Super Antimozolin ointment - salicylic acid + urea + lactic acid (manufactured in the Russian Federation);
• Keratolan cream with urea (manufacturer – Balkanphama, Bulgaria);
• Uretop ointment – urea + lactic acid (manufacturer – Dermapharm AG, Germany);
• Antimozolin Krok Med cream-balm – urea+lactic acid+allantoin (manufacturer – PhytoBioTechnologies, Ukraine);
• Diaderm cream – urea + lactic acid, with the addition of olive and essential oils (DiaDerm, Russian Federation).

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of these agents is provided by the keratolytic substances included in their composition.

Thus, salicylic (2-hydroxybenzoic) acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, 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: by acting on the 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 keratinized layer is loosened, that is, it becomes soft and is 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 connection, so that dead horny cells - keratinocytes of the stratum corneum that have lost their poison (corneocytes) - exfoliate and can be removed mechanically.

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

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

Pharmacokinetics

In most cases, manufacturers do not describe the pharmacokinetics of external agents in their instructions, and ointments for dry calluses are no exception. It is known that only salicylic acid has 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 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 promote steaming of the skin and better penetration of active substances into the keratinized epidermis.

Salicylic ointment, Hemozol, Kerasal, Solkokerasal, Nemozol, Bensalitin, Antimozolin Krok Med, Ureotop are applied twice a day for three days, the treated area of skin is covered with a plaster.

It is recommended to apply Keratolan to the callus two to three times a day.

• Application for children

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

Use dry blister ointment during pregnancy

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

Contraindications

The above mentioned products are not used in the presence of: increased skin sensitivity, chafing, weeping calluses, damage to the skin at the site of application.

Side effects dry blister ointment

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 products, there have been no recorded cases of overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

All keratolytic substances included in 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, away from direct sunlight.

Shelf life

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

Reviews

The products listed in this review are best for dealing with corns. Also, most dermatologists and patients give positive feedback on the use of ointment for dry calluses, but in advanced cases - when the core of such a callus penetrates into the subcutaneous tissue too deeply - keratolytic agents may be ineffective.