Salicylic acid

About salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is used for a number of different skin conditions caused by thickened, hard skin, such as warts, psoriasis, scaly skin conditions and some nail infections. It is a keratolytic, which means that it works by softening the outer layer of your skin allowing it to loosen and shed.

Salicylic acid is applied directly to the area of skin affected. There are a number of different formulations and strengths of salicylic acid available which can be purchased at pharmacies, or alternatively, it can be prescribed for you by your doctor. Which preparation is suitable for you will depend upon the type of skin condition you have, and the area of your body which is affected.

Some preparations of salicylic acid also contain other ingredients such as lactic acid, coal tar, dithranol, zinc, or sulfur.

Before using salicylic acid

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using salicylic acid it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have diabetes, or poor circulation.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to use salicylic acid

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about the brand of salicylic acid you have been supplied with and how to use it.

• Use salicylic acid exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has recommended. It is usual to apply most preparations once each day.

• If you are using it to remove warts or verrucas, rub off the dead tissue from the top of the wart once a week. You can do this with an emery board, pumice stone or something similar. It may take two weeks or more before you notice any improvement and it can take up to three months of daily applications for warts to go completely.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try not to get salicylic acid on healthy areas of skin and do not apply it to skin which is raw or inflamed. You can protect the nearby skin by putting some Vaseline® on the normal skin beforehand or, alternatively, if you are using it as a wart treatment, you can use a plaster with a hole in it which just exposes the wart.

• If you are using salicylic acid for a nail infection, do not use nail varnish or artificial nails at the same time.

• If you are using a topical liquid or a paint, these may be flammable, so do not apply either of them near flames or an open fire.

• You should not apply salicylic acid to your face because of the risk of skin irritation which may cause scarring.

Can salicylic acid cause problems?

Salicylic acid can cause skin irritation, dryness, or soreness. If this happens, stop the treatment for a few days to allow your skin to recover and then re-start treatment. If the irritation is severe, or if your skin becomes very red and itchy, these may be signs of an allergy - stop using salicylic acid and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to salicylic acid, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store salicylic acid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines