Salicylic Acid (Topical Route) Description and Brand Names

Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

Akurza
Aliclen
Avosil
Betasal
Compound W
Corn Removing
Dermarest Psoriasis
DHS Sal
Drytex
Duofilm
Duoplant
Durasal
Freezone
Fung-O
Gets-It CornCallus 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
Palmers Skin Success Acne Cleanser
Propa pH
Salac
Sal-Acid Plaster
Salactic Film
Salacyn
Salex
Salitop
Salkera
Sal-Plant Gel
Salvax
Seba-Clear
Stri-Dex
Thera-Sal
Therasoft Anti-Acne
Tinamed
Ti-Seb
Virasal
Wart-Off Maximum Strength
Zapzyt

Canadian Brand Name

Acnex
Acnomel Acne Mask
Clear Away Wart Removal System
Compound W One-Step Wart Remover
Compound W Plus
Dr Scholls Clear Away One Step Plantar Wart Remover
Dr Scholls Cushlin Ultra Slim Callus Removers
Dr Scholls Cushlin Ultra Slim Corn Removers
Duoforte 27
Freezone - One Step Callus Remover Pad
Freezone - One Step Corn Remover Pad

Descriptions

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.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

Gel/Jelly
Solution
Pad
Liquid
Spray
Cream
Ointment
Foam
Lotion
Soap
Patch, Extended Release
Bandage
Shampoo

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Young children may be at increased risk of unwanted effects because of increased absorption of salicylic acid through the skin. Also, young children may be more likely to get skin irritation from salicylic acid. Salicylic acid should not be applied to large areas of the body, used for long periods of time, or used under occlusive dressing (air-tight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) in children. Use of salicylic acid topical in children younger than 2 years of age is not recommended.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of salicylic acid topical in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related blood vessel disease, which may require caution in patients receiving salicylic acid topical.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Ketorolac

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abciximab
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Amiloride
Amineptine
Amitriptyline
Amitriptylinoxide
Amoxapine
Amtolmetin Guacil
Anagrelide
Ardeparin
Aspirin
Balsalazide
Bemetizide
Bemiparin
Bendroflumethiazide
Benzthiazide
Betrixaban
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bromfenac
Budesonide
Bufexamac
Bumetanide
Cangrelor
Celecoxib
Certoparin
Chlorothiazide
Chlorthalidone
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
Choline Salicylate
Cilostazol
Citalopram
Clomipramine
Clonixin
Clopamide
Clopidogrel
Cyclopenthiazide
Cyclosporine
Cyclothiazide
Dalteparin
Danaparoid
Deflazacort
Desipramine
Desmopressin
Desvenlafaxine
Dexamethasone
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Diazoxide
Dibenzepin
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Digoxin
Dipyridamole
Dipyrone
Dothiepin
Doxepin
Droxicam
Duloxetine
Edoxaban
Emtricitabine
Enoxaparin
Eplerenone
Epoprostenol
Eptifibatide
Escitalopram
Ethacrynic Acid
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Etozolin
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Feverfew
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Fluoxetine
Flurbiprofen
Fluvoxamine
Furosemide
Ginkgo
Gossypol
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrocortisone
Hydroflumethiazide
Ibuprofen
Iloprost
Imipramine
Indapamide
Indomethacin
Inotersen
Ketoprofen
Levomilnacipran
Lithium
Lofepramine
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Magnesium Salicylate
Meadowsweet
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Melitracen
Meloxicam
Melphalan
Mesalamine
Methotrexate
Methyclothiazide
Methylprednisolone
Metolazone
Milnacipran
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Nadroparin
Naproxen
Nefazodone
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Nortriptyline
Olsalazine
Opipramol
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Parnaparin
Paroxetine
Pemetrexed
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
Pentoxifylline
Phenylbutazone
Phenyl Salicylate
Piketoprofen
Piretanide
Piroxicam
Polythiazide
Potassium Citrate
Prasugrel
Prednisolone
Prednisone
Proglumetacin
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Protriptyline
Quinethazone
Reviparin
Rofecoxib
Salicylamide
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Selexipag
Sertraline
Sibutramine
Sodium Salicylate
Spironolactone
Sulfasalazine
Sulfinpyrazone
Sulindac
Tacrolimus
Tenofovir Alafenamide
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Tenoxicam
Tianeptine
Tiaprofenic Acid
Ticagrelor
Ticlopidine
Tinzaparin
Tirofiban
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Torsemide
Trazodone
Treprostinil
Triamterene
Trichlormethiazide
Trimipramine
Trolamine Salicylate
Valdecoxib
Venlafaxine
Vilazodone
Vorapaxar
Vortioxetine
Xipamide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Acebutolol
Acenocoumarol
Anisindione
Atenolol
Azilsartan
Azilsartan Medoxomil
Benazepril
Betaxolol
Bisoprolol
Candesartan
Captopril
Carteolol
Carvedilol
Celiprolol
Dicumarol
Enalapril
Enalaprilat
Eprosartan
Esmolol
Fosinopril
Irbesartan
Labetalol
Levobunolol
Lisinopril
Losartan
Metipranolol
Metoprolol
Moexipril
Nadolol
Nebivolol
Olmesartan
Oxprenolol
Penbutolol
Perindopril
Phenindione
Phenprocoumon
Pindolol
Probenecid
Propranolol
Quinapril
Ramipril
Sotalol
Spirapril
Tamarind
Telmisartan
Timolol
Trandolapril
Valsartan
Warfarin

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of salicylic acid poisoning.

This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not get any of it in your eyes, nose, or mouth . Rinse it off with water right away if it does get on these areas.

Before using an OTC acne product for the first time, apply a small amount to one or two small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the drug facts label of the product.

If your doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) to be applied over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Since an occlusive dressing will increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and the possibility of salicylic acid poisoning, use it only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the mouth and inside of the nose. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes or on other mucous membranes, immediately flush them with water for 15 minutes.

To use the cream, lotion, or ointment:

Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

To use the gel:

Before using salicylic acid gel, apply wet packs to the affected areas for at least 5 minutes. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Apply enough gel to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently.

To use the pad:

Wipe the pad over the affected areas.
Do not rinse off medicine after treatment.

To use the plaster for warts, corns, or calluses:

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using.
Do not use this medicine on irritated skin or on any area that is infected or reddened. Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation.
Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.
Wash the area to be treated and dry thoroughly. Warts may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes before drying.
Cut the plaster to fit the wart, corn, or callus and apply.
For corns and calluses:
- Repeat every 48 hours as needed for up to 14 days, or as directed by your doctor, until the corn or callus is removed.
- Corns or calluses may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes to help in their removal.
For warts:
- Depending on the product, either:
  - Apply plaster and repeat every 48 hours as needed, or
    - Apply plaster at bedtime, leave in place for at least 8 hours, remove plaster in the morning, and repeat every 24 hours as needed.
- Repeat for up to 12 weeks as needed, or as directed by your doctor, until wart is removed.
If discomfort gets worse during treatment or continues after treatment, or if the wart spreads, check with your doctor.

To use the shampoo:

Before applying this medicine, wet the hair and scalp with lukewarm water. Apply enough medicine to work up a lather and rub well into the scalp for 2 or 3 minutes, then rinse. Apply the medicine again and rinse thoroughly.

To use the soap:

Work up a lather with the soap, using hot water, and scrub the entire affected area with a washcloth or facial sponge or mitt.
If you are to use this soap in a foot bath, work up rich suds in hot water and soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Then pat dry without rinsing.

To use the topical solution:

Wet a cotton ball or pad with the topical solution and wipe the affected areas.
Do not rinse off medicine after treatment.

To use the topical solution for warts, corns, or calluses:

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using.
This medicine is flammable. Do not use it near heat or open flame or while smoking.
Do not use this medicine on irritated skin or on any area that is infected or reddened. Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation.
Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.
Avoid breathing in the vapors from the medicine.
Wash the area to be treated and dry thoroughly. Warts may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes before drying.
Apply the medicine one drop at a time to completely cover each wart, corn, or callus. Let dry.
For warts—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 12 weeks, or as directed by your doctor, until wart is removed.
For corns and calluses—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 14 days, or as directed by your doctor, until the corn or callus is removed.
Corns and calluses may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes to help in their removal.
If discomfort gets worse during treatment or continues after treatment, or if the wart spreads, check with your doctor.

Unless your hands are being treated, wash them immediately after applying this medicine to remove any medicine that may be on them.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For topical dosage form (cream):
- For corns and calluses:
  - Adults—Use the 2 to 10% cream as needed. Use the 25 to 60% cream once every 3 to 5 days.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 2 to 10% cream as needed. Use the 25 to 60% cream once every 3 to 5 days.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For topical dosage form (gel):
- For acne:
  - Adults—Use the 0.5 to 5% gel once a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 5% gel once a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For psoriasis:
  - Adults—Use the 5% gel once a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 5% gel once a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For common warts:
  - Adults—Use the 5 to 26% gel one time a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 5 to 26% gel one time a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For topical dosage form (lotion):
- For acne:
  - Adults—Use the 1 to 2% lotion one to three times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 1 to 2% lotion one to three times a day
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For dandruff and antiseborrhic dermatitis of the scalp:
  - Adults—Use the 1.8 to 2% lotion on the scalp one or two times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 1.8 to 2% lotion on the scalp one or two times a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For topical dosage form (ointment):
- For acne:
  - Adults—Use the 3 to 6% ointment as needed.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 3 to 6% ointment as needed.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis:
  - Adults—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For common warts:
  - Adults—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed. Use the 25 to 60% ointment one time every 3 to 5 days.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed. Use the 25 to 60% ointment one time every 3 to 5 days.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For pads dosage form:
- For acne:
  - Adults—Use one to three times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use one to three times a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For plaster dosage form:
- For corns, calluses, common warts, or plantar warts:
  - Adults—Use once a day or once every other day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use once a day or once every other day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For shampoo dosage form:
- For dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp:
  - Adults—Use on the scalp one or two times a week.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use on the scalp one or two times a week.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For soap dosage form:
- For acne:
  - Adults—Use as needed.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use as needed.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For topical solution dosage form:
- For acne:
  - Adults—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For common warts and plantar warts:
  - Adults—Use the 5 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 5 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
- For corns and calluses:
  - Adults—Use the 12 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.
  - Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 12 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.
  - Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

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

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if it become worse, check with your doctor.

When using salicylic acid, do not use any of the following preparations on the same affected area as this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor:

Abrasive soaps or cleansers
Alcohol-containing preparations
Any other topical acne preparation or preparation containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, or tretinoin [vitamin A acid])
Cosmetics or soaps that dry the skin
Medicated cosmetics
Other topical medicine for the skin

To use any of the above preparations on the same affected area as salicylic acid may cause severe irritation of the skin.

This medicine may cause a serious condition called salicylate toxicity. This is more likely to occur especially in children, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease. Check with your doctor right away if you have nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of hearing, tinnitus, lethargy hyperpnea, diarrhea, and psychic disturbances.

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) acne products may cause rare and life-threatening allergic reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, tightness in the throat, or feeling faint while using these products.

Do not use an OTC acne product again if you have developed a serious allergic reaction from it.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine (moderate or severe)

Incidence not known

Difficult breathing
dryness and peeling of skin
fainting
hives or itching
redness of the skin
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
tightness in the throat
unusually warm skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion
diarrhea
dizziness
fast or deep breathing
headache (severe or continuing)
hearing loss
lightheadedness
nausea
rapid breathing
ringing or buzzing in the ears (continuing)
severe drowsiness
stomach pain
vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine (mild)
stinging

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/ar/drugs-supplements/salicylic-acid-topical-route/description/drg-20066030

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