Keratolytics are chemical substances that cause the outer layers of skin or other tissues to disintegrate. The rationale for their use is the dissolution can medicines used in anus and perianal area to penetrate inside deeper tissues.

There are two approved keratolytics used:

Aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate (alcloxa) 0.2% to 2.0%

Resorcinol 1% to 3%