Helosil

Uses

6% Salicylic Acid: This topical preparations treat the following common scaly conditions:

• Chronic atopic dermatitis
• Lichen simplex
• Psoriasis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Ichthiosis

12% Salicylic Acid: This topical preparations treat the following common scaly conditions:

• Warts (small excessive growths of skin caused by a type of virus. Warts often occur on the fingers or on the back of the hands).
• Verruca (occurs only on the sole of the feet and can be painful. It often looks like a small white ring of skin with a black dot in the centre).
• Corns and Calluses (are hard, thick pads of skin caused by pressure and friction. They usually occur on the feet due to poorly fitting shoes and can occur on the hands).

Helosil is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acne, Actinic Keratosis (AK), Alopecia Areata (AA), Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Blackheads, Chronic Eczema, Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Corns, Dandruff, Dermatitis, Contact, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatitis, Eczematous of the scalp, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Foot Callus, Fungal skin infection, Furuncle, Hand Eczema, Hyperkeratosis, Hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis, Infections, Fungal, Infections, Fungal of the Skin Folds, Infections, Fungal of the face, Infections, Fungal of the feet, Infections, Fungal of the hand, Keratosis Palmaris et Plantaris, Lichen, Lichen Plano-Pilaris, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Molluscum Contagiosum, Musculoskeletal Pain, Neurodermatitis, Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis, Plantar Warts, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriasis of the scalp, Rash, Ringworm of the Skin, Ringworm of the scalp, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis of the Scalp, Skin Infections, Bacterial, Verrucous Psoriasis, Warts, Calluses, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Keratinization disorders, Scaling, Scaling of skin, Scalp seborrhea, Superficial Fungal skin infection, Keratolysis

How Helosil works

Salicylic acid directly irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 to decrease conversion of arachidonic acid to precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Salicylate's use in rheumatic diseases is due to it's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, and warts. Salicylic acid allows cells of the epidermis to more readily slough off. Because of its effect on skin cells, salicylic acid is used in several shampoos used to treat dandruff. Salicylic acid is also used as an active ingredient in gels which remove verrucas (plantar warts). Salicylic acid competitively inhibits oxidation of uridine-5-diphosphoglucose (UDPG) with nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD) and noncompetitively with UDPG. It also competitively inhibits the transferring of the glucuronyl group of uridine-5-phosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA) to a phenolic acceptor. Inhibition of mucopoly saccharide synthesis is likely responsible for the slowing of wound healing with salicylates.

Dosage

Helosil dosage

Topical/Cutaneous (Adult)-

Hyperkeratotic and scaling skin conditions: As 1.8-3% preparation: Apply to affected area of the skin and/or scalp 1-4 times daily.

Acne: As 0.5-2% preparation: Apply thinly to affected area 1-3 times daily, reduce to once daily or every other day if dryness or peeling occur.

Warts and calluses:

• As 12-40% plaster: Fit over the wart/callus for 48 hr, repeat process 48 hrly as needed until wart/callus is removed (up to 12 wk for warts or up to 14 days for calluses).
• As 5-17% preparation in collodion-like vehicle: Apply a small amount to sufficiently cover wart/callus and allow to dry. Repeat 1-2 times daily until wart/callus is removed (up to 12 wk for warts or up to 14 days for calluses).
• As 15% preparation in karaya gum-glycol plaster vehicle: Smoothen warts with emery board and place a drop of warm water prior to application. Apply the plaster in the evening and leave in place for at least 8 hr to be removed in the morning. Repeat process 24 hrly, if necessary up to 12 wk.

Side Effects

An allergic reaction (shortness of breath, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face or tongue or hives) or severe skin irritation.

Toxicity

Oral rat LD50: 891 mg/kg. Inhalation rat LC50: > 900 mg/m3/1hr. Irritation: skin rabbit: 500 mg/24H mild. Eye rabbit: 100 mg severe. Investigated a mutagen and reproductive effector.

Precaution

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes.

Interaction

Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution is about 170 mL/kg of body weight.

Elimination Route

About 10% is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. If used by nursing mothers, it should not be used on the chest area to avoid accidental contamination of the child.

Contraindication

It should not be used in any patient known to be sensitive to Salicylic Acid or any other listed ingredients.

Special Warning

Salicylic Acid is used in children over 2 years.

Acute Overdose

An overdose of Salicylic Acid topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose or if the medication has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

Storage Condition

Store at a temperature below 25° C.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Helosil