KOH
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KOH
Symbol for potassium hydroxide.
KOH
chemical formula for potassium hydroxide.
KOH
Abbreviation for potassium hydroxide.
KOH
The chemical formula for potassium hydroxide, which is used to perform the KOH test. The tests is also called a potassium hydroxide preparation.
Mentioned in: KOH Test
potassium hydroxide
; KOH topical, strongly alkaline, caustic and keratolytic chemical, liberating hydroxyl (OH-) ions on dissolution in sweat; OH- ions react with and break down side salt linkages of keratin molecules; formulated as 85% pellets; used to achieve local destruction of tissue (e.g. nail matrix) or lesions (e.g. verrucae); see Table 1Agent | Action | Special precautions | Contraindications |
Monochloroacetic acid (crystals or saturated solution) e.g. single VP | Keratolytic; hydrolysing agent Non-self-limiting | Deep penetration Painful Do not use mask if applying solution Use a mask if applying crystals Review in 5-7 days Neutralize with foot bath ± NaHCO3 or NaCl | Soft-tissue atrophy Peripheral vascular disease Sensory neuropathy |
Salicylic acid paste (40-70%) e.g. single VP; plantar hard corn | Keratolytic; hydrolysing agent | Macerates tissues Review in 7-14 days May be used in conjunction with monochloroacetic acid crystals Neutralize with foot bath ± NaHCO3 or NaCl | Soft-tissue atrophy Peripheral vascular disease Sensory neuropathy |
Pyrogallic acid e.g. single VP | Keratolytic; oxidizing agent | Deep penetration Review in 3-5 days Prolonged caustic action Do not apply more than 3 times sequentially Stains skin black/brown | Use with great care: may cause deep tissue breakdown Soft-tissue atrophy Peripheral vascular disease Sensory neuropathy |
Trichloroacetic acid (saturated solution; 10% solution) e.g. mosaic VP | Mild keratolytic Protein precipitant | Shallow penetration Neutralize with foot bath ± NaHCO3 or NaCl Review in 3 weeks | Peripheral vascular disease Sensory neuropathy |
Silver nitrate (70% solution; 75-95% stick) e.g. mosaic VP; as a protective skin application below a mask | Protein precipitant Self-limiting Stains skin black/brown Maximum effect occurs within 24 hours | Some patients show hypersensitivity to silver nitrate (or experience acute pain) Neutralize with NaCl foot bath May be applied in alternate layers with trichloroacetic acid | Peripheral vascular disease Known sensitivity |
Potassium hydroxide (KOH; 85% pellets) | Strong keratolytic | Potentially deep penetration Action of KOH stopped by application of 5% acetic acid after macerated coagulum has been removed Single treatment | Soft-tissue atrophy Peripheral vascular disease Sensory neuropathy |
Phenol (80% solution or 100% crystal) | Protein precipitate | Action retarded by flooding with industrial methylated spirit Skin overspill flooded with glycerine Review as per postoperative protocol | Peripheral vascular disease (phenol suppresses inflammatory response) |
VP, verruca pedis. |
KOH
potassium hydroxide.