More Q's for Brynn's Mom's Fiance

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Originally posted by Need guidance

Hi, Richard. Started KP chemistry experiment the other day. Got the Carmol 20 with no prob. But when I went to look for the Wart Remover, it didn't come in a cream form. All they had were Gels (at Walgreens, Rite Aid, Safeway). That's what I ended up getting. But after evaporating it, it left this skin-like substance with a light powder on top. I went ahead and mixed it with the Carmol. It turned into this goopy mess since the skin would not break down. Should I have tried to look for a CREAM instead of gel Wart Remover??? Or did I leave it out too long (approx. 8hrs). Thanks for your help.

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Originally posted by Brynn's Mom's Fiance

Sorry, I haven't responded sooner.

Salicylic acid is contained in most if not all wart removers. I found the liquid variant at several locations: Wal Mart (store brand); CVS (also store brand); and at Walgreens (generic label). Dr. Scholls also makes it but it is not as strong. I have never seen the cream. Isn't it interesting to see what store executives choose to merchandise in certain stores and certain areas.

It would be almost impossible to safely and completely mix a cream with a cream...even distribution is nearly impossible. You might warm two until they liquify and then mix thoroughly and cool back to a cream.

N.B. heating these items may result in unanticipated chemical reactions that might make them ineffective or highly irritating.

I would shop for the liquid.

The liquid form can be added as is to a 85g tube of Carmol 20 but it becomes rather runny. I evaporated the solvent in the wart remover to preserve the consistency of the cream.

Other sources of salicyklic acid are available. Aspirin (not those wussy tylenol-types) contains acetylsalicylic acid. 1000 mg strengths yield one gram per tablet. I have a sense that the pill binders would tend to dry the skin, but it is an idea. Experimentally, 2.5 1000 mg tablet would give you 3% Salicylic acid by weight. If you decide to try this, let me know how it works.

Remember, to use the wart remover, you need 1/2 oz of 17.5% strength to make the math work.

Chemical supply houses might be a good source. Also online chemical suppliers. Scrutiny is high since 9/11, but salicylic acid is not implicated in explosive or bioactives. Ask for reagent (ree-ay-gent) or pharmaceutical grade....they have fewer impurities. This grade is not necessary as the resulting product topical rather than ingested.

I wonder if any other weark organic acid would work...

I think the salicylic is the far better choice as it has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

I hope this helps.

Richard a/k/s Brynn's Mom's Fiance