An OTC wart remover product has been recalled by its manufacturer after the company learned that its active ingredient -- calcium oxide -- can cause severe chemical burns, the FDA announced.
Nature Relief, of Miami Beach, Fla., has recalled its Instant Wart and Mole Remover and advised customers to put any unused quantities of the product in a plastic bag and throw it away to "avoid further handling," according to a statement posted by the FDA on its website Monday.
The statement was dated June 22 and it indicated that Nature Relief -- identified as "a five-month-old small startup company with one employee" -- had halted operations.
On Monday, however, the firm's website was still actively promoting the product, although the ordering function and other links on the homepage had been disabled.
Nature Relief had sold the product exclusively through direct sales to consumers via the internet. It was sold as a kit including containers labeled "removal cream," "repair cream," "antiseptic wash," and "triple antibiotic ointment" along with toothpicks and other implements.
The FDA said it had received one report of a customer suffering burns after using the product.
Calcium oxide is especially likely to burn thin or sensitive skin, such as the face, areas around the eyes, and genitalia, the agency said.
Nature Relief's website showed before-and-after photos of moles disappearing from a woman's cheek.
"The FDA advises that consumers are recommended to have moles reviewed by licensed medical professionals and ensure they are not cancerous. Moles when left untreated can possibly lead to melanoma a form of cancer and self-treatment of diseases such as cancer can cause a delay in early diagnosis, which may help prevent life threatening complications," according to the statement.