Collomack Solution: Keratolytic Agent for Wart and Corn Treatment
Collomack is a topical keratolytic solution containing salicylic acid and lactic acid, used exclusively for external treatment of warts, corns, and calluses—it has no role in treating dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Appropriate Clinical Use
Indications
- Topical treatment of common warts (verruca vulgaris), plantar warts, corns, and calluses through keratolytic action that softens and removes thickened skin layers
Mechanism of Action
- Salicylic acid (12%) acts as a keratolytic agent by breaking down the intercellular cement holding keratinocytes together, facilitating desquamation of the stratum corneum
- Lactic acid enhances penetration and provides additional keratolytic effects
Application Protocol
Preparation and Application
- Soak the affected area in warm water for 5 minutes to hydrate and soften the tissue before application
- Dry thoroughly before applying the solution
- Apply directly to the lesion only, avoiding surrounding normal skin
- Allow to dry completely before covering or applying pressure
- Apply once or twice daily depending on lesion thickness and response
Duration of Treatment
- Warts typically require 4-12 weeks of consistent daily application
- Corns and calluses may respond within 1-2 weeks with proper application technique
Important Safety Considerations
Contraindications and Precautions
- Never use on infected, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Avoid application to moles, birthmarks, or unusual skin growths
- Do not use on facial warts or genital warts without specific medical supervision
- Contraindicated in patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease due to increased risk of ulceration and poor healing
- Not for use in children under 2 years of age without medical supervision
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overapplication to surrounding healthy skin can cause chemical burns and painful erosions
- Premature discontinuation before complete resolution leads to recurrence
- Using on the wrong type of lesion—always confirm diagnosis before treating presumed warts or corns
Clarification on Dehydration Treatment
Collomack has absolutely no role in managing dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. For these conditions:
Oral Rehydration Solutions
- For mild to moderate dehydration (3-9% fluid deficit), use WHO oral rehydration solution containing 3.5 g sodium chloride, 2.5 g sodium bicarbonate, and 20 g glucose per liter of water 1
- Administer 50 mL/kg over 3-4 hours for mild dehydration (3-5%) and 100 mL/kg over 3-4 hours for moderate dehydration (6-9%) 1
When Intravenous Therapy is Required
- Severe dehydration (≥10% fluid deficit, shock, or altered mental status) requires IV fluids such as Ringer's lactate or normal saline 1, 2
- Monitor electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) and renal function in patients with significant dehydration, as abnormalities correlate with severity 3
High-Risk Populations Requiring Monitoring
- Elderly patients on diuretics or cardiac medications need regular monitoring for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances 4
- Diabetic patients are at increased risk due to osmotic diuresis and should maintain adequate hydration 5
- Patients with high-output stomas (>1000 mL/24h) require isotonic glucose-saline solutions and restriction of hypotonic fluids to <1000 mL daily 4