Salicylic Acid
Description
Salicylic Acid is a medicine used as a keratolytic agent (a peeling agent that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin thus helping in skin rejuvenation). It is used to treat skin conditions such as calluses (thickened layers of skin, often on the hands or feet, where friction repeatedly occurs), warts of the hands or feet and psoriasis (a skin condition that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp) as well as acne (pimples, whiteheads, blackheads on the skin caused by bacteria), and dandruff (a fungal scalp infection).
Salicylic Acid unplugs the blocked skin pores to allow warts to shrink. It also works by softening and loosening the dry, scaly, or thickened skin, causing shedding of the outer layer of the skin. This kills microbes, clears out skin issues, and helps in the recovery of the skin. It is available in topical forms like face wash, cream ointment, lotion, and soap.
Salicylic Acid may cause some side effects like whitening of the skin, skin rashes, peeling of the skin and irritation at the site of application. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Before beginning the treatment with topical forms like creams and ointments, your doctor may suggest a patch test to check if this medicine is safe and non-allergenic for you. Stop using this medicine and consult your doctor if you experience a severe headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, breathing difficulty or severe burning of the skin.
Salicylic Acid is for external use only. Clean and dry the affected area before application. Apply a thin layer over the affected parts of the skin. Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. Rinse with water immediately if the medicine comes in contact with these areas. Avoid using any other medications on the affected area while using Salicylic Acid.
Salicylic Acid may take a few days or weeks to improve your condition. Therefore, it is advised to complete the whole treatment with this medicine as prescribed. Inform your doctor if you have liver problems before using Salicylic Acid. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before using this medicine. Inform your doctor if the condition has not improved even after three weeks of treatment.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Salicylic Acid
- Skin irritation
- Stinging
- Rash
- Change in color and texture of the skin
- Redness of skin
- Hair loss
Uses of Salicylic Acid
What is it prescribed for?
- Acne vulgaris
- Psoriasis
- Callus
- Warts and skin tags
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Salicylic Acid to show its action is not known.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Salicylic Acid remains active in the body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Salicylic Acid.
- Usage in pregnancy?Salicylic Acid is not recommended to be used in pregnancy unless necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Salicylic Acid is not recommended to be used in breastfeeding unless necessary. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, care should be taken so that the infant does not come into contact with the medicine.
Allergy
Avoid using Salicylic Acid if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as headache, ringing in the ears, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Salicylic Acid is not recommended to be used in pregnancy unless necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Salicylic Acid is not recommended to be used in breastfeeding unless necessary. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, care should be taken so that the infant does not come into contact with the medicine.
General warnings
Salicylism
Prolonged use of Salicylic Acid may lead to salicylism (a toxic condition marked by ringing in the ears, nausea, and vomiting) in some people. Your doctor may suggest an alternative or adjust the dose of this medicine if required based on your condition.
External use
Salicylic Acid is only recommended for external use. Avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, mucous membranes, cuts, grazes, or wounds. Rinse with water in case of accidental contact.
Missed Dose
Use/apply the missed dose of Salicylic Acid as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
An overdose of Salicylic Acid is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Tretinoin/ Isotretinoin
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Salicylic Acid is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, nose, and ears. In case of accidental contact, wash thoroughly with water. Follow all dosing instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert.
Gel, ointment, cream: Wash and dry the area thoroughly and apply enough to cover the affected area one to two times a day.
Soap: Apply to the affected areas at least two times a week. Leave lather on your scalp or skin for 2 minutes and then rinse.
Lotion: Apply to the affected area once a day. Hydrate the area for five minutes before the application. Leave it in the area at night and wash it off in the morning.
Foam: Apply to the affected area once a day at bedtime. Hydrate the area for 5 minutes before application. Occlude the area after application and wash it off in the morning.
Avoid applying in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Do not use it for a longer time than prescribed.
Avoid covering the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve or resolve even after two weeks of use.
Keep away from the reach of children and pets. Ensure that the unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Salicylic Acid unplugs the blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It also works by softening and loosening the dry, scaly, or thickened skin, causing shedding of the outer layer of the skin.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical keratolytics, Topical acne agents, Miscellaneous topical agents
Schedule
OTC
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Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ACNE CLEANSER W/ SALICYLIC ACID- salicylic acid cream. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Bazuka Extra Strength Gel - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Occlusal - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Salicylic Acid Ointment BP - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Salicylic Acid Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Salicylic acid. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
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