Hydrogen peroxide 30 pc, helps to achieve skin clearance in seborrheic keratosis: Study

Manipal: 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be utilized as a chemical cauterant in seborrheic keratoses (SKs) patients with minimal side effects, a recent study has found. The study, published in the International Journal of Dermatology, suggests that H2O2 30% can serve as a relatively inexpensive modality for SKs treatment. 

Seborrheic keratosis is a common noncancerous (benign) skin condition. It becomes common in people as they get older. Seborrheic keratoses are usually black, brown, or light tan. The growths (lesions) look waxy or scaly and slightly raised. They appear gradually, usually on the neck, face, back, or chest. They are harmless and not contagious. They don't require treatment, however, if they become irritated by clothing or become bad in appearance it may be removed. 

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic in medicine but at a higher concentration of 40%, it is used as a chemical cauterant for seborrheic keratoses. Therefore, at 30% its action and utility remain unexplored. Punya Suvarna and Manasa Narayan Kayarkatte from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India, therefore aimed to investigate the efficacy and side effects of 30% H2O2 as a chemical cauterant in seborrheic keratoses. 

For this purpose, the treatment of seborrheic keratoses was done at 30% H2O2 methodically. Following the treatment, the assessment was done for patient satisfaction, lesion thickness, and side effects like itching, burning, vesiculation, crusting, ulceration, erosion, and pigmentary changes.