Background: Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) has been used in medicine as an antiseptic, but at a higher concentration of 40%, it is used as a chemical cauterant for seborrheic keratoses (SKs). Its action and hence utility at 30% is unexplored. It can serve as a relatively inexpensive modality of treatment for SKs.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of 30% H2 O2 as a chemical cauterant in SKs.
Methods: Seborrheic keratoses were treated with 30% H2 O2 methodically. Posttreatment assessment was done for the lesion thickness, patient satisfaction, and side effects like burning, itching, edema, crusting, vesiculation, erosion, ulceration, and pigmentary changes.
Results: Complete clearance was noted in 25 (49%) lesions, after a single session. Five (9%) lesions responded poorly. Patient satisfaction was excellent with 34 (66.7%) lesions. Side effects noted were burning, pruritus, erythema, edema, and crusting. However, none of them was severe. Dryness, vesiculation, and scarring were reported by none.
Conclusions: H2 O2 30% can be used as a chemical cauterant with minimal side effects.
Keywords: H2O2; chemical cautery; hydrogen peroxide; seborrheic keratosis.
© 2022 the International Society of Dermatology.