keratolytic, a. and n. Med.
(kɛrətəʊˈlɪtɪk)
[f. kerato- + -lytic.]
A. adj. Able to destroy keratinous material, esp. the horny layer of the epidermis.
| 1893 P. H. Pye-Smith Introd. Study Dis. Skin xi. 244 The hardened skin may be covered with salicylic acid... The best method of applying this valuable keratolytic agent is probably..as a plaister. 1917 M. B. Hartzell Dis. Skin vi. 47 (heading) Keratolytic agents (those which soften the horny cells of the epidermis and cause its exfoliation). 1956 D. M. Pillsbury et al. Dermatol. iv. 22 Common examples of this type of keratolytic agent are the thioglycate salts (reducing agents) which are the principal ingredients of home sets for the permanent (cold) waving of hair. 1961 Sabouraudia I. 87 Keratolytic enzymes have not yet been isolated from dermatophytes. |
B. n. A keratolytic agent.
| 1932 A. C. Roxburgh Common Skin Dis. iii. 25 Keratolytics. For removal of horny thickening. 1940 Becker & Obermayer Mod. Dermatol. & Syphilol. iv. 36/1 Resorcin. This drug is somewhat similar in action to salicylic acid, and the two are the only drugs we use as keratolytics. 1971 Brit. Jrnl. Dermatol. LXXXIV. 311 Keratolytics and other topical agents have proved unhelpful. |