Formic Acid and Ethyl Lactate Composition for Callus Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for callus, corns, and psoriasis using salicylic acid are associated with pain, skin irritation, and limitations in concentration due to solubility issues, making them unsuitable for all patients, particularly those with diabetes or circulatory problems, and requiring soaking and filing, which can be uncomfortable and damaging.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising formic acid and ethyl lactate, which is miscible at higher concentrations, providing immediate symptomatic relief by penetrating and softening keratinous skin without harming deeper layers, allowing precise application and high efficacy without the need for soaking or filing, and is safer for use on varying skin sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If salicylic acid is used at high concentrations (40% w/w) for effective corn removal, then treatment efficacy is improved, but skin irritation, pain, and swelling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ethyl lactate as a carrier solvent and penetration enhancer that mediates the delivery of formic acid to the hyperkeratotic tissue. This intermediary substance allows the active ingredient to reach the target effectively while controlling its action to minimize damage to surrounding healthy skin, thus resolving the contradiction between efficacy and skin irritation.
2Speed
If stronger acids are used for faster keratin dissolution, then treatment speed is improved, but risk of harming surrounding skin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies formic acid in a controlled manner where the carrier system (ethyl lactate) enables localized action primarily within the hyperkeratotic tissue. The composition is designed to act locally on the target tissue with precise penetration control, providing fast treatment while minimizing spread to and damage of surrounding healthy skin through localized quality enhancement.
3Reliability
If salicylic acid concentration is limited to 2% for facial application, then skin safety is improved, but treatment efficacy for callus and corns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from using salicylic acid to using formic acid, which has different solubility and penetration characteristics. This parameter change allows the formulation to achieve both high concentration (for efficacy) and controlled penetration (for safety), enabling effective treatment of thick hyperkeratotic tissue while maintaining skin safety through optimized chemical parameters.
4Ease of manufacture
If salicylic acid is used for treatment, then keratin dissolution is achieved, but additional steps (soaking, filing) are required increasing treatment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ethyl lactate as a penetration enhancer that maintains continuous action on the hyperkeratotic tissue, allowing the formic acid to work continuously without interruption. This continuity eliminates the need for intermittent steps like soaking and filing, as the composition works through the thick skin layer in a single continuous application, simplifying the treatment process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition offers rapid and effective removal of callus, corns, and psoriasis with reduced side effects, maintaining efficacy in the hyperkeratinized layer without penetrating deeper, providing immediate pain relief and precise application, suitable for various skin sizes, and is safe for daily use.
Implementation Method 1
They penetrate and soften keratinous skin immediately... providing efficacious compositions for the removal of callus, corns, and/or psoriasis
Implementation Method 2
Surprisingly formic acid has shown to be miscible with ethyl lactate at higher concentrations... The alkyl ester, or the mixture of acid and alkyl ester, appears to be able to soften a keratinous layer, allowing the acid to penetrate into the keratinous layer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising formic acid and at least one C1-C4 alkyl ester of lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, preferably ethyl lactate, for the topical treatment of an indication selected among callus, corns, moles, telangiectasias, and psoriasis.