Resorcinol

Absorption

The dermal absorption of resorcinol seems to be low (< 1%) when applied on healthy and intact skin . The agent absorbed very slightly under normal conditions & the absorption was lower when applied to the scalp than to clean shaven skin due to a strong fixation by the hair .

Toxicity

Effects in man include CNS effects, mainly in persons who have used creams containing high levels of resorcinol, effects on the erythrocytes (especially methaemoglobinaemia, mainly in babies and infants) and, after prolonged exposure, effects on the thyroid gland (like goiter or especially chronic myxoedema) . In addition, exogenous ochronosis is associated with prolonged exposure to resorcinol . In persons suffering from resorcinol poisoning, the symptoms included anemia, spleen siderosis, and fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys .

The Uses of Resorcinol

In very mild solutions, resorcinol is used as an anti-septic and soothing preparation for itchy skin. In slightly higher concentrations, resorcinol removes the top layer of the stratum corneum and is used particularly in cases of acne. In still higher concentrations, it can act as an aggressive surface skin exfoliant. Resorcinol can also be used as a preservative. While it is a beneficial skin care ingredient when used in low concentrations, it causes irritation in higher concentrations with a strong burning sensation and a reddening of the skin. used in high concentrations as a peel, resorcinol may cause a variety of problems, including swelling. It is is obtained from various resins.

Indications

Contemporary therapeutic uses for resorcinol primarily revolve around the use of the phenol derivative as an active ingredient in topical antiseptics or as topical antibacterial skin treatment products for conditions like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and others .

Background

Resorcinol is a 1,3-isomer (or meta-isomer) of benzenediol with the formula C6H4(OH)2. It is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in topical pharmaceutical products in the treatment of skin disorders and infections such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts. It exerts a keratolytic activity. Resorcinol works by helping to remove hard, scaly, or roughened skin.

Pharmacokinetics

The effectiveness of the agent in treating various topical, dermatological conditions by eliciting antibacterial and keratolytic actions appears to stem from resorcinol's propensity for protein precipitation. In particular, it appears that resorcinol indicated for treating acne, dermatitis, or eczema in various skin care topical applications and peels revolves around the compound's ability to precipitate cutaneous proteins from the treated skin.

Safety

Resorcinol is commonly used in hair dyes and acne medication. In higher doses it is toxic and can disrupt the function of the central nervous system and lead to respiratory problems. It has also been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, specifically thyroid function.