lactic acid + salicylic acid at a glance
Medicine class
Topical keratolytic preparation
Licensed uses
Warts and verrucas; selected products also treat corns and calluses
Administration
Apply only to the lesion and protect surrounding healthy skin
Fire safety
Collodion-based preparations are highly flammable; keep away from flames and ignition sources
What is lactic acid + salicylic acid used for?
Licensed indications differ between products.
Bazuka Treatment Gel and Salactol Collodion treat warts, verrucas, corns and calluses.
Duofilm Topical Solution treats warts.
How does lactic acid + salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid loosens cells in thickened outer skin so it softens and sheds. Lactic acid also disrupts keratinised tissue and helps keep salicylic acid available within the dried film.
How to take lactic acid + salicylic acid
For external use only. Follow the instructions for the specific gel, paint or solution.
Soak and dry the lesion before application where directed.
Gently remove loose hard skin without causing bleeding, using an implement reserved for the affected area.
Apply carefully to the lesion only, let it dry and wash your hands after touching a wart or verruca.
Covering instructions differ: Salactol advises covering plantar warts; Duofilm advises covering large warts or those on the foot; Bazuka Treatment Gel does not normally require a plaster.
Avoid the eyes, mucous membranes, cuts, grazes and surrounding healthy skin.
lactic acid + salicylic acid side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary tingling or tenderness at the treated area
- Local itching, burning, redness, scaling or dryness
- Irritation if the preparation spreads onto healthy skin
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent or unacceptable pain or irritation: stop treatment and obtain medical advice
- Marked inflammation, blistering, skin peeling or suspected allergic contact dermatitis: stop treatment and seek prompt assessment
lactic acid + salicylic acid in pregnancy
Product advice differs. Bazuka Treatment Gel and Salactol should generally not be used during pregnancy except for restricted use; Duofilm is not recommended. Ask a pharmacist, GP or maternity professional before use.
lactic acid + salicylic acid while breastfeeding
Duofilm is not recommended while breastfeeding because salicylates can enter breast milk. It must not contact the breast because the infant could ingest it. Advice differs between products, so check the leaflet and seek professional advice.
lactic acid + salicylic acid interactions
Interaction information is product-specific.
Other topical medicines applied to the same area
Duofilm may increase their absorption, so concurrent application to the treated area should be avoided.
Common questions about lactic acid + salicylic acid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used on a verruca?
Bazuka Treatment Gel and Salactol are licensed for verrucas. Duofilm’s selected UK licence states warts.
Can it treat corns or calluses?
Bazuka Treatment Gel and Salactol can; Duofilm is licensed for warts rather than corns or calluses.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.