Salicylic Acid (On the skin)

sal-i-SIL-ik AS-id

Treats skin problems, including acne, psoriasis, and warts.

Drug classes

Analgesic, Antiacne, Antiacne Keratolytic, Antipsoriatic, Antiseborrheic, Keratolytic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Salicylic acid topical is used to treat many skin disorders, such as acne, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis of the skin and scalp, calluses, corns, common warts, and plantar warts, depending on the dosage form and strength of the preparation.

This medicine is available without a prescription. Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion, Pad, Pad, Paste, Shampoo, Soap, Gel/Jelly

When you first begin to use this product, apply it to 1 or 2 small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the product label or use the medicine as directed by your doctor.

Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

Cream, gel, or lotion: Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

The gel or liquid might be flammable. Do not use or store it near an open flame.

Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to salicylic acid.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have blood circulation problems, liver problems, or kidney problems.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Fainting

Confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in your ears, severe tiredness

Severe skin redness, peeling, or irritation

Skin sores or ulcers

Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Acnex, Acnomel Acne Mask, Akurza, Aliclen, Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser, Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads, Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer, Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, Avidoxy DK, Avosil, Bensal HP, Betasal, Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit, Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Moisturizer, Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, Clean & Clear Advantage Daily Soothing Acne Scrub, Clean & Clear Advantage Daily Soothing Acne Wash, Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment, Clean & Clear Advantage Oil Absorbing Cleanser, Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask, Clear Away Wart Removal System, Compound W, Compound W One-Step Wart Remover, Compound W Plus, Corn Removing, DHS Sal, Dermarest Psoriasis, Dr. Scholl’s Clear Away One Step Plantar Wart Remover, Dr. Scholl’s Cushlin Ultra Slim Callus Removers, Dr. Scholl’s Cushlin Ultra Slim Corn Removers, Drytex, Duofilm, Duoforte 27, Duoplant, Durasal, Freezone, Freezone – One Step Callus Remover Pad, Freezone – One Step Corn Remover Pad, Fung-O, Gets-It Corn/Callus Remover, Gordofilm, Hydrisalic, Ionil, Ionil Plus, Keralyt, Keralyt Scalp, Lupicare, Mediplast, Mg217 Sal-Acid, Mosco Corn & Callus Remover, Neutrogena, Occlusal-HP, Off-Ezy, Oxy Balance, P & S, Palmer’s Skin Success Acne Cleanser, Propa pH, Sal-Acid Plaster, Sal-Plant Gel, Salac, Salactic Film, Salacyn, Salex, Salitop, Salkera, Salvax, Seba-Clear, Stri-Dex, Thera-Sal, Therasoft Anti-Acne, Ti-Seb, Tinamed, Virasal, Wart-Off Maximum Strength, Zapzyt

There may be other brand names for this medicine.