potassium hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong inorganic base used in dermatology as a topical keratolytic and caustic agent. It is primarily utilized in aqueous solutions at concentrations ranging from 5% to 15% for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, where it induces localized tissue destruction and an inflammatory response that facilitates viral clearance. More recently, it has been investigated for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), where its ability to dissolve keratin and cause controlled chemical irritation helps eliminate dysplastic keratinocytes. In many European jurisdictions, these topical solutions are regulated as medical devices due to their physical-chemical mode of action rather than a pharmacological mechanism.

Brand names

InfectoDellMolutrexMolusk

Other names

caustic potashKOH