Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS) : A Review of Clinical Uses
An article published by Jenkinson HA, Wilmas KM, Silapunt S from the Department of Dermatology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas in Dermatologic Surgery, April 2017 reviews the clinical use for sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS).
The authors summarize the use for sodium tetradecyl sulfate:
Varicose veins
telangiectasias
hemangioma
pyogenic granuloma
cherry angioma
Kaposi sarcoma
lymphangioma circumscriptum
digital mucous cyst
ganglion cyst
glomangioma
angiokeratoma of Fordyce
pseudocyst of the auricle
verruca. C
The authors report "commonly reported side effects" include:
pain
erythema
swelling
hyperpigmentation
telangiectatic matting
ulceration
Serious side effects such as anaphylaxis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction have also been reported. Most sources were case reports and small prospective studies, as such the strength of data supporting many uses is limited by small sample sizes and lack of controls.
Dr Karamanoukian's note: This is a general review for use of STS in dermatology. We use it inour office for varicose veins and telangiectasias and have had good results.