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salicylic acid

D01AE12

Forms & Strengths

Topical cream 6%
10%
20%
Topical ointment 3%
6%
10%
20%
40%
Topical gel 6%
17%
Topical solution 17%
26%
Topical pad/pledget 0.5%
2%
5%
Topical shampoo 2%
3%

Adult Dosing

Warts: Apply 17% solution or gel to affected area once or twice daily; cover if directed. Max duration 12 weeks.
Acne/Seborrhea/Psoriasis: Apply 0.5% to 6% preparations to affected skin areas 1 to 3 times daily as tolerated.

Pediatric Dosing

Children <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established; avoid use due to risk of systemic toxicity (salicylism).
Children >=2 years: Apply lower concentration preparations (e.g., <=2% for acne, <=17% for warts) sparingly to limited surface areas.

Indications

Treatment of hyperkeratotic skin disorders including warts (verruca vulgaris, plantaris)
Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis
Acne vulgaris
Dandruff

Mechanism of Action

Keratolytic agent that dissolves intercellular cement (intercellular matrix) of the stratum corneum.
Promotes desquamation of hyperkeratotic epithelium by solubilizing the protein complex, leading to softening and shedding of the stratum corneum.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to salicylic acid or salicylates
Application to inflamed, broken, infected, or denuded skin
Diabetic patients or patients with peripheral vascular disease (for high-concentration wart/corn/callus removers)

Adverse Reactions

Local skin irritation, erythema, dryness, and scaling
Stinging or burning sensation at application site
Systemic toxicity (salicylism) with excessive use over large surface areas or prolonged duration (tinnitus, nausea, dizziness, hyperpnea)

Drug Interactions

Topical acne medications (e.g., tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol): May cause cumulative irritant or drying effects.
Systemic salicylates (e.g., aspirin): Increased risk of systemic salicylate toxicity when used concurrently with extensive topical salicylic acid application.

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use