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SALICYLIC ACID

About

SALICYLIC ACID belongs to the class of medication called ‘keratolytic agent' primarily used for peeling and shedding the outer layer of the skin in the condition of acne (pimple) and psoriasis. SALICYLIC ACID possesses comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes) and anti-inflammatory activity. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. 

SALICYLIC ACID contains ‘Salicylic acid’ that treats conditions of psoriasis and acne by reducing inflammation (swelling and redness) and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. SALICYLIC ACID increases the turnover rate of upper skin cells, which eventually helps in peeling and shedding off the dead skin, thereby treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). 

SALICYLIC ACID is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Common side effects of SALICYLIC ACID include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, skin irritation and skin rash. Most of these side effects of SALICYLIC ACID do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor. 

Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. Do not use SALICYLIC ACID on sunburned, windburned, dry or irritated skin. SALICYLIC ACID can make the skin more sensitive to the sunlight; hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. Care should be taken while applying SALICYLIC ACID on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Avoid SALICYLIC ACID contact with hair or fabrics since it has bleaching properties.

Uses of SALICYLIC ACID

Treatment of Acne (pimples), Psoriasis.

Medicinal Benefits

SALICYLIC ACID contains ‘Salicylic acid’ used to treat acne (pimples) by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear. It is an organic compound with an irritant, keratolytic (removes warts and calluses), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes) and anti-inflammatory activity. SALICYLIC ACID reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores (whiteheads) or open pores (blackheads). SALICYLIC ACID increases the upper layer of skin cells' turnover rate, which eventually helps in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). SALICYLIC ACID also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin. SALICYLIC ACID is also used to treat skin conditions that involve scaling or overgrowths of skin cells, such as psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some body areas), ichthyoses (inborn conditions that cause skin dryness and scaling) and prevention of dandruff in the scalp area. 

Directions for Use

Cream/Gel/Lotion: Apply the advised amount of gel/lotion/cream with clean and dry hands on the skin's affected areas. Gently massage the medicine into the skin with your fingers. Wash your hands before and after applying it. Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected areas. Foam: Apply a generous amount onto the affected areas with your hands and massage it with your fingers. Rinse off with clean water. Cleansing Soap: Work the soap into a nice lather and apply it to the affected areas with your hands. Gently massage in circular motions and rinse off with clean water. Shampoo: Wet your hair and scalp with lukewarm water. Take a small amount of shampoo and apply it directly to the scalp. Gently massage the medicine into the scalp with your fingers and rinse it off with clean water.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of SALICYLIC ACID

  • ​​​​​​Dry skin
  • Erythema (skin redness)
  • Skin irritation
  • Slight tingling sensation
  • Skin rash
  • Dizziness

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Do not use SALICYLIC ACID if you are allergic to any of its contents. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or are a breastfeeding mother. SALICYLIC ACID may be flammable. Please do not smoke while using SALICYLIC ACID or go near smoke or fire as it is inflammable in nature. Let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney, gastrointestinal or heart diseases before using SALICYLIC ACID. Please inform your doctor if you are using any other medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements. SALICYLIC ACID can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight; hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply SALICYLIC ACID on irritated and sunburned skin. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions), hair removal products and products containing lime or spices while using SALICYLIC ACID. 

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: SALICYLIC ACID may interact with other drugs used to treat acne (adapalene, alitretinoin, bexarotene, isotretinoin, tazarotene, tretinoin, trifarotene).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: No interaction found/established.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • ADAPALENE
  • ALITRETINOIN
  • BEXAROTENE
  • ISOTRETINOIN
  • TAZAROTENE
  • TRETINOIN
  • TRIFAROTENE
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      safe

      No interaction found, in case of any discomfort, consult your doctor.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      Please consult your doctor before using SALICYLIC ACID if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      There are limited studies on how SALICYLIC ACID affects the breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before using SALICYLIC ACID if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply the cream or lotion on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      safe

      SALICYLIC ACID does not affect your ability to drive.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using SALICYLIC ACID.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using SALICYLIC ACID.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      caution

      Your doctor will recommend SALICYLIC ACID to children if the benefits outweigh the risks.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
    • Avoid harsh products on your skin.
    • Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
    • Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.

    Special Advise

    • Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with SALICYLIC ACID.

    • If the acne doesn't improve, ultrasound scanning of the abdomen is advised to check if there is any possibility of PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease).

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Acne (pimple): It is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules are types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers though all age groups are affected.

    Psoriasis: It is a severe immune-mediated skin problem which causes skin cells to divide abnormally. It is characterized by dry, itchy, white scales covering and red bumpy patches. It is non-contagious in nature and does not spread from person to person. 

    FAQs

    SALICYLIC ACID belongs to the class of medication called ‘keratolytic agent' primarily used for peeling and shedding the outer layer of the skin in the condition of acne (pimple) and psoriasis. SALICYLIC ACID possesses comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes) and anti-inflammatory activity. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.

    SALICYLIC ACID contains 'salicylic acid' which is a keratolytic agent. It is used for the treatment of hyperkeratotic and scaling skin conditions like psoriasis. It treats pimples (acne) by penetrating the skin. It additionally reduces oil production in the skin, replenishes acne-prone skin and keeps your pores open.

    SALICYLIC ACID can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using SALICYLIC ACID. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.

    You can leave salicylic acid overnight on the skin if you are using cream/gel/lotion formulations. However, if any irritation occurs, please stop usage and consult your doctor.

    Using SALICYLIC ACID in the newborn babies may cause severe side effects like dizziness, deafness and hearing disturbance if applied to the larger body areas, unless recommended by a children specialist.

    Besides treating psoriasis and acne, SALICYLIC ACID also treat skin conditions of warts, ringworm, dandruff and ichthyosis (dry, scaly thick skin).

    Available Medicines for

    SALICYLIC ACID

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