Indications

Glowderma 6% Cream: This topical preparation treats common scaly conditions including chronic atopic dermatitis, lichen simplex, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and ichthyosis.

Glowderma 12% Cream: This topical preparation treats common scaly conditions including warts (small excessive growths of skin caused by a virus, often occurring on fingers or the back of hands), verrucae (occurring on the soles of feet, which can be painful and look like a small white ring of skin with a black dot in the center), as well as corns and calluses (hard, thick pads of skin caused by pressure and friction).

Glowderma 2% Lotion: This topical preparation is indicated for mild to moderate acne, blackheads and whiteheads, redness and swelling of the face, pimples, and to prevent future acne breakouts.

Description

Glowderma is available by prescription only as a topical aid in the removal of excessive keratin in hyperkeratotic skin disorders including verrucae and various ichthyoses (vulgaris, sex-linked, and lamellar), keratosis palmaris and plantaris, keratosis pilaris, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and psoriasis (including body, scalp, palms, and soles).

Pharmacology

Salicylic Acid has a potent keratolytic and a slight antiseptic action when applied topically to the skin. In low concentrations, the drug has keratoplastic activity (correction of abnormal keratinization), and in higher concentrations, the drug has keratolytic activity (causes peeling of skin). Salicylic Acid softens and destroys the stratum corneum by increasing endogenous hydration, probably because of decreased pH, which causes the cornified epithelium to swell, soften, and then desquamate. Necrosis of normal skin has been associated with overuse of the drug. At high concentrations, Salicylic Acid has a caustic effect. Moisture is essential for Salicylic Acid to exert its action on the s kin and for maceration and desquamation of epidermal tissue to occur. The drug has weak antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Dosage and Administration

6% and 12% Salicylic Acid: Apply to the affected area once daily. Hydrate the area for 5 minutes prior to application if possible. Occlude the area at night and wash off in the morning. Salicylic Acid is used in children over 2 years of age.

2% Salicylic Acid: Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area once daily in the 1st week, then 2 to 3 times daily from the 2nd week onward, rubbing gently. After 3 to 5 minutes, rinse the face with cool water. Salicylic Acid is used in children over 2 years of age.

Use this medication strictly according to the advice of a registered physician.

Interaction

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

Contraindications

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

Side Effects

Possible side effects include an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, or hives) or severe skin irritation.

Pregnancy and Lactation

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

Precautions and Warnings

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

Overdose Effects

An overdose of Glowderma topical is unlikely to occur. If the medication has been ingested or an overdose is suspected, the patient needs to be hospitalized immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Topical salicylic preparation.

Storage Conditions

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and keep out of the reach of children.