Bazuka Gel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Bazuka Gel contains salicylic acid and lactic acid and belongs to a class of medicines known as topical acne agents (keratolytics). It is used on the skin to treat warts, verrucas, corns and calluses. The gel works by softening and breaking down thickened or hardened skin so it can be gradually removed.

What is Bazuka Gel

Bazuka Gel is a topical treatment for warts, verrucas, corns and calluses. Warts and verrucas are small excess growths of skin caused by a virus. Corns and calluses are hard, thick pads of skin caused by pressure and friction.

Bazuka Gel uses

• Treatment of warts
• Treatment of verrucas
• Treatment of corns
• Treatment of calluses

Benefits of Bazuka Gel

• Helps treat common warts and verrucas (plantar warts)
• Helps remove corns and calluses
• Salicylic acid softens and breaks down thickened, hardened skin
• Lactic acid supports removal of excess dead skin
• Makes affected skin easier to remove gradually with a pumice stone or emery board
• The active ingredients also help act against the virus responsible for warts and verrucas

How Bazuka Gel works

The gel contains salicylic acid, which slowly and painlessly breaks down and softens the thickened, hard skin so it can be removed. Lactic acid helps the salicylic acid stay active in the dried gel and also has antiseptic properties. For warts, the mild irritation this causes may also help the body's immune system respond to the virus.

Bazuka Gel dosage

This gel is for use on the skin only (cutaneous use) and is suitable for adults, children and the elderly. Apply once daily, every night.

Every night, soak the affected area in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes, then dry the area thoroughly using your own towel. Carefully apply the gel to the wart, verruca, corn or callus only, letting it dry over the surface, and avoid spreading the gel onto surrounding normal skin. No adhesive plaster is needed.

The following evening, carefully remove and discard the elastic film formed from the previous application before reapplying the gel. If the film is difficult to remove, you may reapply the gel directly over it to help thicken the film for easier removal; this can be repeated on two or three days in a row if needed.

Once a week, before reapplying the gel, gently rub away the treated surface using the emery board provided or a pumice stone kept only for this purpose. Treatment can take up to twelve weeks for resistant lesions to clear, so it is important to keep using it as directed. At the end of treatment, if the elastic film is hard to remove, it can be left on the skin until it comes off on its own.

Available forms and strengths

• Gel

Side effects of Bazuka Gel

Common

• Mild tingling
• Temporary tenderness
• Skin irritation, especially if applied to healthy skin
• Occasionally a temporary skin blemish

Serious

• Severe or persistent skin irritation or pain
• Significant allergic skin reaction
• Accidental contact with the eyes or mouth may cause damage

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this gel on or near the face, on the groin or armpit area, or if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation
• Do not use this gel on moles or on any other skin condition it is not meant to treat
• Do not use if you are sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients
• Keep the gel away from your eyes, mucous membranes, and any cuts or grazes
• Apply the gel carefully to the wart, verruca, corn or callus only, to avoid irritating the surrounding healthy skin
• Do not use more gel than needed
• Avoid breathing in the vapour from the gel, and keep the cap tightly closed when not being used
• The gel may damage clothing, fabrics, plastics and other materials, so contact with these should be avoided
• This gel is for use on the skin only
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children
• Do not use this product on children under 2 years of age
• Do not use on broken, inflamed, or infected skin in the treatment area
• Do not use on birthmarks, hairy warts, or warts with black dots, except where these are a typical feature of a verruca
• People with kidney disease or liver disease may be more likely to develop a serious condition called salicylate toxicity from this type of medicine. 
• Do not use alcohol-containing skin preparations on the same treated area as this medicine, as this may cause severe skin irritation.
•  This medicine has no known effect on your ability to drive or use machines. No special precautions are stated for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but if pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.

Storage

• Store below 25°C (77°F) or as directed on the product label
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat
• Protect from direct sunlight and high temperatures
• Keep the container tightly closed after each use
• Keep away from flames and ignition sources, as the gel is flammable
• Keep out of reach and sight of children

When to see a doctor

• If you have more severe or ongoing pain or irritation from using this gel, stop treatment and speak to a doctor
• If you use too much gel and get skin irritation, use it more sparingly or less often; if irritation continues get medical advice
• Get medical help right away if you notice nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, tiredness, fast breathing, diarrhea, or changes in mental state, as these can be signs of a serious reaction to salicylic acid
• Get medical help right away if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, tightness in the throat, or feel faint while using this product
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or get worse, check with your doctor
• If pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use

Alternatives

• Salicylic Acid Wart Remover
• Bazuka Extra Strength Gel
• Duofilm
• Salatac Gel
• Cuplex Gel