Salicylic ointment for acne

Salicylic ointment is a simple but effective remedy against many skin diseases. Its popularity is such that the question of whether salicylic ointment helps against acne sounds rhetorical.

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Does salicylic ointment help acne?

The effectiveness of salicylic acid and preparations based on it is in the ability to exfoliate, that is, soften the epidermis and sebaceous plugs. This property effectively prevents the development of simple acne. Pharmacists offer 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-percent dosages (composition: Vaseline plus salicylic acid).

Benefits of salicylic ointment for acne:

• reduces inflammation;
• dries up pimples;
• promotes regeneration;
• has a quick effect;
• lightens acne scars;
• sold in all pharmacies, without a prescription;
• affordable price.

Minor drawbacks include the fact that the ointment should be used together with moisturizing cosmetics.

Salicylic acid is an essential component in the formulation of other external preparations (Camphocin, Viprosal, Tsinkundan, Lorinden A, Lassar paste, Teymurov paste), as well as creams, gels and other cosmetics.

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Salicylic-zinc ointment for acne

Salicylic-zinc ointment for acne is especially effective, it quickly relieves inflammation and dries problem areas. The drug is most often used to treat acne on the back, which occurs there (as well as on the neck, shoulders, chest, buttocks) due to improper treatment or its absence.

An ointment for acne is prepared based on a 2% dosage, mixing it in equal parts with zinc. It is applied externally: first every evening (7 days), later – two or three times a week.

When using salicylic-zinc ointment for acne, dry and normal skin must be moisturized.

Allergic reactions are possible. Overdose, as a result of too long use, is quite dangerous:

• in mild cases, dizziness, hearing loss and tinnitus, and increased sweating occur;
• severe situations are accompanied by convulsions, disruption of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and hemorrhagic diathesis.

The ointment is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Sulfur-salicylic ointment for acne

Sulfur-salicylic ointment for acne consists of sulfur, salicylic acid, and petroleum jelly. The drug is popular in dermatology due to its antibacterial, keratolytic, and antiparasitic properties. It is available in 2% and 5% dosages.

The medicinal properties of the drug are successfully used in both medicine and cosmetology; it is effective not only as a cure for acne, but also as a preventative measure against post-acne scars.

• Sulfur-salicylic ointment is intended for local use, it is applied to problem areas, once or twice a day. The number of procedures depends on the intensity of acne and is determined by a specialist individually for each patient.

There are no contraindications or side effects of the drug, although adverse reactions to the ingredients cannot be ruled out. For pregnant women, the ointment is considered a relatively safe drug, but it must be prescribed by a doctor.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics of active substances of salicylic ointments for acne:

• Sulfur, when interacting with organic matter, is converted into sulfides and pentathionic acid; they destroy bacteria and parasites.
• Sulfides have keratoplastic and keratolytic properties.
• Salicylic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect, and by irritating the skin, it enhances the keratoplastic and antibacterial effect of sulfur, constricts blood vessels, reduces itching and inflammation. The properties depend on the concentration.
• Zinc is a drying component.

The pharmacokinetics of salicylic ointment for acne and its analogues consists of a local effect on the skin. The substances are practically not absorbed into the skin, therefore they do not enter the general bloodstream and do not affect the body as a whole.

How to use salicylic ointment for acne?

There are different answers to the question of how to use salicylic ointment for acne:

• for dry and normal skin – apply daily;
• for other types - in combination with other substances, in the form of masks.

The reason for the difference is Vaseline, which can provoke new inflammation in oily areas.

Recipes for masks with salicylic ointment for acne:

• For combination skin

Dilute green clay (2 tablespoons) with water to the consistency of sour cream, add 1 teaspoon of ointment. Apply the mixture to the face, rinse off after 15 minutes and moisturize with cream.

• For oily skin

Dilute a tablespoon of black and pink clay to the same consistency, add a spoonful of ointment. Apply the gruel for 20 minutes, rinse and moisturize your face.

The ointment is carefully applied to problem areas, it is better to do this at night. The lubricated area is covered with a napkin and secured with a bandage (or a napkin is soaked in ointment).

Using Salicylic Ointment for Acne During Pregnancy

The use of salicylic ointment for acne during pregnancy is permissible, but with a caveat: the daily dose should not exceed five milliliters. The same applies to breastfeeding. The active substances act at the site of application, so they do not have a general effect on the body of the mother and child.

However, some experts do not recommend pregnant and breastfeeding women to use salicylic ointment for acne and other preparations with salicylic acid. To avoid surprises, do not ignore this warning, and in doubtful cases, ask your doctor for advice.

Contraindications for use and side effects

An important contraindication to the use of salicylic ointment for acne is renal failure (some forms), as well as hypersensitivity to its components.

The medicine should not be applied to large moles, warts, or areas in the groin area.

When treating children, the ointment is applied with special care, alternately to different problem areas. The use of salicylic ointment is prohibited for children under three years of age.

The higher the concentration of the active substance, the more pronounced the side effects of salicylic ointment for acne may be:

• Redness.
• Irritation.
• Itching.
• burning.

These phenomena occur due to non-compliance with the dosage, improper use or individual intolerance to salicylic acid; they usually disappear on their own.

If after discontinuing the drug, adverse reactions do not disappear, another treatment option should be selected, without salicylic acid.

The use of the ointment leads to overdrying of the skin; therefore, treatment should be combined with moisturizing.

In rare but possible cases of oral use of salicylic ointment for acne, urgent rinsing of the mouth and sometimes the stomach is required.

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Overdose and interactions with other drugs

The daily dose of salicylic ointment for acne should not exceed 10 ml for a 20-day course of treatment. Overdose is possible if these standards are violated and is fraught with unpleasant consequences. With proper treatment, alarming symptoms are not observed.

Salicylic ointments for acne are not recommended to be used in parallel with other means on their own. Interactions with other drugs:

• the effect at the site of application increases the permeability of the skin for other drugs and, accordingly, their absorption;
• enhances the side effects of hypoglycemic agents.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Salicylic ointment for acne requires typical storage conditions:

• cool (10 – 18) or room temperature;
• protection from light and moisture;
• inaccessible to children and animals.

The manufacturer has provided a three-year shelf life for this group of drugs. If the conditions are violated, salicylic ointment for acne may lose or change its therapeutic properties.

Salicylic acid is a fairly popular substance in medicine and cosmetology, the benefits and effectiveness of which have been proven by successes in overcoming skin defects, including acne. The main thing is to choose the right product for your skin and use it in time.