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Background: Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a heterogeneous group of skin disorders characterized by symmetrical diffuse or patchy areas of hyperkeratosis on the palms and soles. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical keratolytic treatment for localized hyperkeratosis., Methods: International, randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, intra-individual comparative study., Results: Clinical signs assessed by the investigator significantly improved in both group from baseline to day 10 and day 21 (P<0.001). Mean improvement was significantly more marked on the treated side than the control side (except pruritus) at day 10 for hyperkeratosis (-0.58 ± 0.59 versus -0.41 ± 0.51, P=0.009), desquamation (-0.62 ± 0.69 versus -0.47 ± 0.67, P=0.042) and dryness (-0.75 ± 0.67 versus -0.57 ± 0.67, P=0.014). At day 21, dryness (-1.16 ± 0.80 versus -1.00 ± 0.79, P=0.036) was significantly improved but only a trend for hyperkeratosis (-0.86 ± 0.76 versus -0.72 ± 0.72, P=0.158) and desquamation (-0.83 ± 0.85 versus -0.65 ± 0.85, P=0.057) was observed. Tolerance was considered to be good or very good in more than 92 percent patients. Both patients and investigators were satisfied in more than 84 percent of cases with the topical keratolytic treatment efficacy. Safety profile was highly satisfactory., Conclusion: This topical keratolytic treatment represents a valuable first-line option for mild to moderate hyperkeratosis.

We, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are issuing this final rule to include benzoyl peroxide as a generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne drug products. In addition, this final rule includes new warnings and directions required for OTC acne drug products containing benzoyl peroxide. We are also revising labeling for OTC topical acne drug products containing resorcinol, resorcinol monoacetate, salicylic acid and/or sulfur to meet OTC drug labeling content and format requirements in a certain FDA regulation. This final rule is part of our ongoing review of OTC drug products and represents our conclusions on benzoyl peroxide in OTC acne drug products.