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Salicylic acid
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Salicylic acid is used externally only. It has an antiseptic, keratolytic and mild antipruritic effect. In fairly weak concentrations, it has an antiseptic effect. At the same time, it soothes inflammatory processes and enhances epithelialization. It is usually used in a weaker concentration. As for the 5-10% solution, the acid dissolves the upper horny layer of the epidermis. The product has a particularly strong keratolytic effect in concentrations over 10%.
Indications salicylic acid
Indications for use are quite varied. Thus, together with boric acid, it is part of powders that are widely used for hyperhidrosis and eczema. Thus, a 1-2% solution is used to wipe the skin with seborrhea. If the acid has a saturation of 1%, then it is used to eliminate acne.
A more concentrated solution is used to treat lichen, erythrasma and healthy areas of skin around pyoderma lesions. The remedy is widely used for ichthyosis.
Salicylic acid helps to get rid of calluses and soften rough skin areas. Especially on the sole. In fact, the acid is widely used in many industries and not only in medicine. It can remove many inflammatory processes on the skin. It is widely used as an antiseptic. Salicylic acid can be used without consulting a specialist, but only in a small concentration.
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Release form
The release form is in the form of powder or alcohol solution. Moreover, the latter variation may be different. Basically, the medicine is supplied in 10 ml bottles.
The active substance of the drug is orthooxybenzoic acid. The product can be produced in various dosage forms. Basically, it is a 1% solution in 25 and 50 ml bottles. There is also a 2% product in similar packaging.
The medicine is also produced in the form of an ointment. This is a regular 25 gram jar. There are also alcohol solutions of various concentrations. Basically, these are 1-10%, which are located in 25 and 40 ml bottles.
Salicylic-zinc paste is in a 30 ml jar. When choosing one of the proposed products, it is worth considering the area of application. The product is not used internally, only externally. Salicylic acid is selected based on the problem that needs to be eliminated. In this case, we mean the concentration of the drug.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics The main formula of this drug is C7H6O3 = C6H4(OH) - CO2H. The drug is a representative of the aromatic oxyacids group. Judging by the neighboring positions of the benzene ring of the acid, there is an OH group, like phenol, and a COOH group - like benzoic acid. It should be noted that this compound is widely used everywhere.
At a special concentration, salicylic acid is able to coagulate microbial proteins. When used, it has a pronounced effect on fairly sensitive nerve endings. The acid is able to improve trophism and reduce pain.
The drug has the ability to suppress the secretion of sebaceous glands. In addition, a similar process is observed with sweat glands. Salicylic acid has weak antimicrobial activity. Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it has an antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effect at the site of the lesion.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics is in a certain formula. The product, thanks to its active component, has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Like other non-steroidal drugs, the medication has a pronounced effect on the affected area.
Salicylic acid is capable of inducing the release of phospholipase inhibitors. At the same time, biosynthesis of inflammation mediators occurs. The agent is capable of narrowing blood vessels and improving the structure of their walls. A similar process is observed in cell membranes.
The product is capable of causing soft exfoliation of the dead skin layer. The stratum corneum is thinned and the mouths of the pores and the outflow of sebum are cleaned. Salicylic acid is an indispensable product for cleansing the skin when fighting acne, dandruff, treating burns, wound surfaces, and some skin diseases. This product is widely used in many concentrations to eliminate skin problems.
Dosing and administration
The method of application and dosage are prescribed by the attending physician. Much depends on the problem that needs to be eliminated. The main task is to choose the right concentration of the drug. The solution is used exclusively externally.
Simply apply it to a cotton swab and blot the affected area. For pimples and acne, apply the solution three times a day. If you need to soften calluses, the acid is also used 2-3 times a day. The procedure should be repeated for 3-4 days. Then the callus is removed to healthy tissue.
The daily dose is no more than 10 ml. It is recommended to use the product only for adults. The course of treatment is 7 days. In some cases, it can be exceeded.
Information about the concentration can be obtained from the attending physician. You should not choose the drug yourself. A low concentration is not capable of causing harm, but if it is a solution of more than 5-10%, various negative reactions from the skin are possible. Salicylic acid is really an effective remedy, but only if used correctly.
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Use salicylic acid during pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be carried out under strict supervision of the attending physician. The fact is that it is used as a local irritant. It is not recommended to use the acid during pregnancy and lactation.
There have been no special studies on the effect of the drug on the woman's body and the fetus. Therefore, it should be used with extreme caution. During breastfeeding, the skin of the mammary glands should never be wiped. This will protect the child from the penetration of the drug through breast milk.
In general, the medicine is used externally only. Therefore, it is almost impossible to penetrate the body and cause serious harm. But, despite this, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The risk of harming your own health is always present. In this case, it is high due to the fact that salicylic acid has different concentrations. Therefore, problems may arise when choosing.
Contraindications
Contraindications for use include hypersensitivity to the main component of this drug. The fact is that such exposure can lead to an allergic reaction. The whole danger is that it can become serious.
It is highly not recommended to use the acid in case of renal failure and in children under 3 years of age. It is important to understand that each person's body is individual. Even if there are no contraindications described above, it is not worth excluding the development of a negative reaction from the body.
The skin may be very sensitive. In this case, even the "lightest" acid solution can cause harm. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is worth consulting a specialist. Salicylic acid is not capable of leaving burns or worsening the condition of the skin. But, despite this, such a possibility should not be excluded, at least because the skin may be supersensitive.
Side effects salicylic acid
Side effects may be observed. In most cases, this is due to a person's hypersensitivity to the main component of the drug. Allergic reactions are possible if a highly concentrated solution is used. This leads to irritation. In case of individual intolerance, allergic dermatitis is observed.
In some cases, patients experienced a feeling of heat, headache and difficulty breathing. But in most cases, this is only possible when treating a large area.
Sometimes, skin soreness may be observed. This is mainly due to the increased concentration of the main component. Salicylic acid has a certain effect on the sebaceous and sweat glands. In any case, if unpleasant symptoms of irritation appear, the product must be removed from the skin. Salicylic acid has an extremely negative effect on sensitive skin and can cause an allergic reaction.
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Overdose
Overdose of the drug is extremely rare. This is mainly due to the wrong choice of concentration. Thus, an allergic reaction is possible. This manifests itself in the form of itching and urticaria. In some cases, a keratolytic effect occurs.
If unpleasant symptoms appear, the solution should be removed from the skin immediately. This is done with ordinary warm water. After this, it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding further treatment.
Negative symptoms are mainly caused by using a large amount of the drug. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to use the acid in an increased dose. Moreover, it is also not worth exceeding the course of treatment.
If the solution is accidentally ingested, you should immediately wash out your stomach to remove the drug from your digestive tract. Salicylic acid is a really powerful remedy that can be harmful if used incorrectly.
Interactions with other drugs
Interaction with other drugs is possible. But it is necessary to understand that this drug is capable of increasing the permeability of other pharmacological agents. At the same time, their absorption is enhanced.
Salicylic acid, absorbed into the skin, can increase the side effects of hypoglycemic agents. They, in turn, are derivatives of sulfonylurea and methotrexate.
The acid solution is practically incompatible with resorcinol. When they interact, a melting mixture may form. When interacting with zinc oxide, insoluble zinc salicylate may form. That is why it is highly recommended not to use these medications simultaneously.
In any case, when using this product, you need to inform your doctor about other medications you are using. This will help avoid possible negative reactions from the body. Salicylic acid is not able to interact with drugs similar in composition.
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Storage conditions
Storage conditions must be observed. Thus, the drug must be placed in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Naturally, children should not have access to the medicine. They can not only swallow it, but also cause serious damage to the eyes and skin.
The drug does not tolerate cold, dampness and sun. Therefore, these conditions should be immediately excluded. Particular attention should be paid to the external data of the drug. The acid should not change color and smell. Moreover, the appearance of sediment is unacceptable. Any changes indicate that the drug should not be used in the future. There is a risk of causing serious allergic reactions from the skin.
After opening, the bottle is stored for no more than one month. Especially if we are talking about an alcohol solution. Alcohol can evaporate over time and the drug can "work" in the opposite direction. Salicylic acid requires special storage conditions.
Shelf life
The shelf life of the product is 4 years. If it is an alcohol solution, the shelf life is halved. If the bottle has been opened, the product can only be used for one month. Then the alcohol will begin to evaporate, and the acid can cause harm.
In order for the product to serve for the specified time, special storage conditions must be observed. It is desirable that the product be kept in a warm, dry place without direct sunlight. Moisture, dampness and cold are prohibited.
During storage, the solution should not change its external properties. A similar requirement applies to the smell. Otherwise, it is highly recommended not to use the medicine. After the expiration date, the product should be disposed of. It is unlikely to have a positive effect.
If the bottle has been opened, then you need to get rid of the medicine after a month. Salicylic acid is a truly good remedy, but it is only beneficial if used and stored correctly.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Salicylic acid" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.