salicylic acid at a glance
Medicine class
Topical keratolytic
Licensed uses
Warts and verrucas; some ointments also treat hyperkeratotic and scaling skin conditions
What is salicylic acid used for?
Licensed uses differ by formulation.
Film-forming cutaneous solutions and gels: common warts and plantar warts (verrucas).
Ointment: hyperkeratotic and scaling skin conditions such as psoriasis.
How does salicylic acid work?
It reduces adhesion between cells in thickened outer skin. This makes the tissue soften and shed; for warts and verrucas, removal of infected thickened skin may assist clearance.
How to take salicylic acid
Follow the leaflet for the specific formulation, as application methods differ.
For wart products, soak and dry the lesion, then gently remove loose dead tissue without causing bleeding.
Apply precisely to the wart or verruca and protect surrounding healthy skin.
Allow film-forming products to dry.
Keep away from eyes, mouth, broken skin, flames and ignition sources. Replace the cap firmly after use.
For ointment, apply only to intact affected skin and keep treated fabrics away from flames or cigarettes.
salicylic acid side effects
Common or expected effects
- Mild local tingling or tenderness
- Redness, itching, rash or irritation, particularly if healthy skin is exposed
- Drying or peeling of treated skin
- Temporary skin blemishing
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent or severe pain or irritation
- Ringing in the ears, vomiting, dizziness, reduced hearing, sweating or rapid breathing after excessive exposure
salicylic acid in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited. Selected product information generally advises avoiding topical salicylic acid during pregnancy; where use is considered, it is restricted to a small single lesion or skin area and should follow professional advice.
salicylic acid while breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established for the selected products. Seek professional advice before use, particularly if treatment could expose the infant to treated skin.
salicylic acid interactions
Systemic interactions are not expected when these products are used as indicated, but local combinations can matter.
Other topical medicines on the same skin area
Salicylic acid may increase their absorption, so concurrent application to the treated area should be avoided unless specifically advised.
Common questions about salicylic acid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What does salicylic acid treat on the skin?
Depending on the formulation, it is licensed for warts and verrucas or for thickened, scaling conditions such as psoriasis.
Can salicylic acid be used on the face or genitals?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.