Utility of 30% hydrogen peroxide in the treatment of seborrheic keratosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) has been used in medicine as an antiseptic, but at a higher concentration of 40%, it is used as a chemical cauterant for seborrheic keratoses (SKs). Its action and hence utility at 30% is unexplored. It can serve as a relatively inexpensive modality of treatment for SKs.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of 30% H2 O2 as a chemical cauterant in SKs.

METHODS:

Seborrheic keratoses were treated with 30% H2 O2 methodically. Posttreatment assessment was done for the lesion thickness, patient satisfaction, and side effects like burning, itching, edema, crusting, vesiculation, erosion, ulceration, and pigmentary changes.

RESULTS:

Complete clearance was noted in 25 (49%) lesions, after a single session. Five (9%) lesions responded poorly. Patient satisfaction was excellent with 34 (66.7%) lesions. Side effects noted were burning, pruritus, erythema, edema, and crusting. However, none of them was severe. Dryness, vesiculation, and scarring were reported by none.

CONCLUSIONS:

H2 O2 30% can be used as a chemical cauterant with minimal side effects.

• Authors: Punya Suvarna, Manasa Narayan Kayarkatte
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 61 Issue 9 Pg. 1113-1116 (Sep 2022) ISSN: 1365-4632 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35094378 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2022 the International Society of Dermatology.

Chemical References

• Hydrogen Peroxide

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Humans
• Hydrogen Peroxide (adverse effects)
• Keratosis, Seborrheic (drug therapy, pathology)