Corns Medication

  • Author: Daniel J Hogan, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 13, 2010
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.

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Keratolytic agents

Class Summary

These agents cause the cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate.

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Salicylic acid topical (Clear Away, Compound W, Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers)

 

A keratolytic, bacteriostatic, and fungistatic agent. Its main clinical use is as a keratolytic agent and as an agent that increases the percutaneous absorption of combined drugs by removing the stratum corneum. The keratolytic activity results from solubilization of the intercellular ground substance in the stratum corneum and shedding of the scales, which are bound by it. Commonly available in concentrations of 10-40% in a cream or lotion base.

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Ammonium lactate (AmLactin, Lac-Hydrin, Lactinol)

 

Provides beneficial effects on dry skin and severe hyperkeratotic conditions. Indicated for moisturizing and softening dry, scaly skin.

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Urea (Aquadrate, Calmurid, Carmol, Nutraplus)

 

Keratolytic, bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and fungistatic agent. Topical treatment for dry skin and ichthyosis. Also used as a skin moisturizer.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Daniel J Hogan, MD  Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Investigator, Hill Top Research, Florida Research Center

Daniel J Hogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, and Canadian Dermatology Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Amy Lynn Basile, DO, MPH  Sun Coast Hospital/Largo Medical Center, Largo, Florida

Amy Lynn Basile, DO, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, and American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard K Scher, MD  Adjunct Professor of Dermatology, University of North Carolina; Professor Emeritus of Dermatology, Columbia University

Richard K Scher, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey Meffert, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors, (1) Ali Hendi, MD, (2) Douglas W. Kress, MD, and (3) Roger Patrick, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

References

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Hard corn on the lateral surface of fifth toe. Courtesy of James K. DeOrio, MD.
Hard corn over the proximal interphalangeal joint of second toe. Courtesy of James K. DeOrio, MD.
Calluses on the palmar surface of the hands of a body builder. Courtesy of James K. DeOrio, MD.
 
 
 
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