What does hydrogen peroxide do to keratosis?

Author: Miss Lilian Gaylord MD  |  Last update: Monday, November 10, 2025

Hydrogen peroxide 40% (Eskata) is a topical solution for the in-office treatment of raised seborrheic keratosis lesions. Although the mechanism of action is not fully understood, supraphysiologic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide may cause oxidative damage and death to seborrheic keratosis cells.

Will hydrogen peroxide get rid of keratosis?

The FDA has recently approved a topical solution of 40% hydrogen peroxide to treat seborrheic keratosis. (Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is a 1% solution.) The solution comes in an applicator pen, which your healthcare provider will apply to your seborrheic keratosis several times in one visit.

How does hydrogen peroxide work on seborrheic keratosis?

The mechanism of action of the drug in clearing of SKs is not fully understood; presumably, local application of hydrogen peroxide in supraphysiologic concentrations causes oxidative damage to SK cells, leading to cell death.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove keratin?

According to yet another embodiment the method is used in treating a dermatological disorder of hyperkeratinization by removing the keratin from a zone on skin by the method of alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment described.

How do you dissolve keratosis?

Treatment
  1. Freezing the growth. Freezing a growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis. ...
  2. Scraping (curettage) or shaving the skin's surface. ...
  3. Burning with an electric current (electrocautery).

What triggers seborrheic keratosis?

How I cured my keratosis?

Keratosis pilaris usually clears up on its own with time. In the meantime, you might use one of the many products available to help improve how the skin looks. If moisturizing and other self-care measures don't help, your health care provider may prescribe medicated creams.

Will vinegar get rid of keratosis?

There are no proven home remedies for seborrheic keratosis. Lemon juice or vinegar used by some may irritate and possibly cause the growth to dry and crumble, but there is no evidence that this is safe or effective. Also, it can cause substantial irritation and pain.

Can I remove my seborrheic keratosis myself?

Some topical products that treat seborrheic keratosis are available without a prescription, including 0.1% tazarotene cream and alpha hydroxy acid products. A person who wishes to treat their condition at home should speak with a doctor for a recommendation.

What will break down keratin?

Salicylic acid to break up the keratin, causing the thick skin to soften and be shed, thus reducing the thickness of the skin. Urea-based agents to increase the content of water in the skin and soften the area. This can help to break up the keratin, although to a lesser extent than salicylic acid.

How to remove age spots with hydrogen peroxide?

Gently massage it into the skin for a couple of seconds. Let it sit and rinse: Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the age spots for about 5 minutes. If you feel extreme irritation, rinse it immediately. But if you feel only mild tingling, let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes.

What are three negative effects of hydrogen peroxide?

► Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

How to use hydrogen peroxide to remove skin tags?

Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Applying petroleum jelly while the skin heals can help prevent or reduce scarring. Avoid DIY if Large or Painful. If your skin growth is large, painful or located in a sensitive area, do not attempt to remove it at home.

How long will my skin be white from hydrogen peroxide?

Abstract. Transitory blanching of nonacral skin has been observed after contact with a 3% solution of H2O2. This phenomenon was reproducible in all tested whites, but was not reproducible in black skin. Blanching developed within 30 to 300 seconds after contact with H2O2 and lasted from 10 to 30 minutes.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to remove seborrheic keratosis?

The primary end point assessed clearing of four raised lesions on the face, trunk, or extremities three and a half months after application of either hydrogen peroxide 40% or vehicle only, at days 1 and 22. Most patients required a second treatment at day 22.

How do you exfoliate keratosis?

You can slough off these dead cells gently with a loofah, buff puff, or rough washcloth. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which tends to irritate the skin and worsen keratosis pilaris. Apply a product called a keratolytic. After exfoliating, apply this skin care product.

What vitamin deficiency causes seborrheic keratosis?

Introduction. Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are benign epidermal tumors with high sun exposure as a major risk factor. Vitamin D deficiency is also thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.

How do you dissolve keratin buildup?

How can I treat keratin plugs?
  1. Gently exfoliate your skin. Scrub your skin gently using a washcloth, sponge or soft facial brush. ...
  2. Keep your skin hydrated. Moisturize regularly with a lotion or cream that's noncomedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores. ...
  3. Take care of your skin.

What ruins keratin?

Chlorine and Salt Water: Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water for at least two weeks after your treatment. Both chlorine and salt can strip keratin from your hair, drastically reducing the lifespan of the treatment.

Does vinegar dissolve keratin?

The alkali breaks the keratin protein down into small peptide chains and individual amino acids. These are then neutralised with an acid (such as acetic acids like vinegar or hydrochloric acid) to form soluble keratin that can be used to manufacture cosmetics products.

Will apple cider vinegar get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

There are no proven home remedies for seborrheic keratoses. Lemon juice or vinegar can irritate the skin, possibly causing the lesion to dry and crumble. However, there is no evidence that this is safe or effective.

Why am I getting so many seborrheic keratosis?

Experts don't completely understand what causes a seborrheic keratosis. This type of skin growth does tend to run in families, so there is likely an inherited tendency. If you've had one seborrheic keratosis, you're at risk of developing others. A seborrheic keratosis isn't contagious or cancerous.

Is it OK to scratch off seborrheic keratosis?

Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar. A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it or scrape it off with a tool.

Is hydrogen peroxide good for keratosis?

Hydrogen peroxide is used to treat raised seborrheic keratoses (waxy and scaly, raised areas of skin). This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

How do you use Vicks for seborrheic keratosis?

I began applying Vicks to the area twice a day and covered it with a large, round bandage. (Actually, it was a generic version called Medicated Chest Rub I found at my local pharmacy.) The edge nearest my hairline began to peel back first. I used a cotton swab to press the Vicks as far into the patchy area as I could.

Will tea tree oil get rid of keratosis?

While preliminary studies suggest tea tree oil may have potential for the treatment of actinic keratosis, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this use.

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