Indications
6% Keranil cream is used to treat common scaly skin conditions such as chronic atopic dermatitis, lichen simplex, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and ichthyosis. 12% Keranil cream is used to treat warts, which are small excessive growths of skin caused by a type of virus and often occur on the fingers or on the back of the hands; verruca, which occurs only on the sole of the feet, can be painful and often looks like a small white ring of skin with a black dot in the centre; and corns and calluses, which are hard, thick pads of skin caused by pressure and friction that usually occur on the feet due to poorly fitting shoes and can also occur on the hands. 2% Keranil lotion is indicated for mild to moderate acne, blackheads and whiteheads, redness and swelling of the face, and pimples, and to help prevent future acne breakouts.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Salicylic acid has a strong keratolytic effect and a mild antiseptic action when applied to the skin. At low concentrations, it works as a keratoplastic agent, helping to correct abnormal keratinization; at higher concentrations, it becomes keratolytic, causing the outer layer of skin to peel. It softens and breaks down the stratum corneum by increasing water content within the skin, likely due to a drop in pH, which makes the horny outer layer swell, soften, and shed. Overuse can lead to necrosis of healthy skin, and at high concentrations, the drug can have a caustic effect. Moisture is essential for salicylic acid to work properly, as it is needed for the softening and shedding of the outer skin layer. The drug also has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category C. Breastfeeding mothers who use this medicine should avoid applying it to the chest area, so that the baby doesn't accidentally come into contact with it.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.