Collodion

Drug Details

Collodion is a flammable, syrupy solution made by dissolving nitrocellulose in a mixture of ether and alcohol. When applied to the skin, it dries rapidly to form a transparent, flexible film. This property has led to its use in medical applications, such as liquid bandages that protect minor cuts and abrasions. Additionally, collodion serves as a vehicle for delivering medications like salicylic acid in treatments for warts, corns, and calluses. Beyond medicine, collodion has historical significance in photography; in the mid-19th century, it was used in the wet-plate collodion process to create glass negatives, combining fine detail with the ability to produce multiple prints. Due to its highly flammable nature, collodion must be handled with care and stored away from heat and open flames.