Generic Name: salicylic acid topical (SAL i SIL ik AS id TOP ik al)
Brand names: Compound W, DermalZone, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, Dr Scholl's Callus Removers, Dr Scholl's Clear Away Wart Remover, Dr Scholl's Corn Removers, Duofilm, Freezone Corn Remover, Hydrisalic, Keralyt, Mediplast, Oxy Face Scrub, Propa P.H., Salac, Salex, Scalpicin Scalp Relief, Sebucare, Stri-Dex, Wart-Off Treatment, ...show all 139 brand names.Salicylic Acid Cleansing Bar, Panscol, Freezone, Occlusal-HP, Off-Eazy, Maximum Strength Wart Remover, Gordofilm, Salactic Film, Mosco Corn & Callus Remover, Mosco-Cain, Wart Remover, Sal-Plant Gel, Duoplant, Trans-Ver-Sal, Sal-Acid Plasters, DHS Salicylic Acid 3%, Fungi-Nail (obsolete), Ionil Shampoo, Wart Away, Stri-Dex Sensitive Skin, Stri-Dex Maximum Strength, Stri-Dex Clear Gel, Stri-Dex Face Wash, Stri-Dex Dual Textured, Stri-Dex Super Scrub, Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil Free, Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Dandruff Shampoo, Ionil Plus, X-Seb, Propa P.H. Maximum Strength, Propa P.H. Foaming Face Wash, Oxy Clean Medicated, Oxy Clean Maximum Strength, Oxy Nightwatch Maximum Strength, P & S, Propa P.H. Acne Mask, Propa P.H. Skin Cleanser Normal/Sensitive, Gets-It Corn and Callus Remover, Sebasorb, Dr Scholl's OneStep Callus Removers, Dr Scholl's OneStep Corn Removers, Adasept Acne, Neostrata Astringent Acne Treatment, Derma Controle: Nettoyant Moussant, Derma Controle: Normalisant, Derma Controle: Purifiante, Trans-Plantar, Freezeone One Step, Duofilm Transdermal, Acnisal, Bazuka Extra Strength, Verrugon Complete, Wartex, Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub, Clean & Clear Concealing Treatment, Clear Logix Deep Cleansing Acne Treatment, Clear Logix Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Clear Logix Sensitive Skin Astringent, Clearasil Acne Fighting, Clearasil Ice Wash, Clearasil Overnight Defense, Clinique Acne Solutions Quick Clearing, Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Treatment, Denorex Medicated, Clear Logix Acne Spot Treatment, Clear Logix Oil Fighting Daily Wash, Clear Logix Oily Skin Astringent, Clearasil 3-In-1 Cleanser, Clearasil Stayclear Deep Clean Astringent, Clearasil Stayclear Deep Clean Pad, Clinique Acne Solutions Body Treatment, Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing, Biore Blemish Undercover Agent, Phisoderm Acne Mask, Neutrogena Soothing Astringent, Herbal Essences Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Neutrogena T/Gel Conditioner, Denorex Medicated Balanced Strength, Clearasil Total Control Daily, Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cleanser, Duofilm Plantar Patches, Clearasil Blackhead Clearing Pads, T/Gel, Oxy Triple Action, Phisoderm Acne Therapy, Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Antidandruff, Neutrogena Clear Pore Treatment, Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil Absorbing, Clean & Clear Dual Action, Oxy Balance Deep Pore Cleansing, Gentle, Oxy Balance Deep Pore Cleansing, Maximum, Oxy Balance Daily Cleaning, Normal Skin, H2O Acne Spot Treatment, Neutrogena T/Sal, Phytum Antipelliculaire Shampooing Purifiant, Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment, KeralytGel, Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo Plus Conditioner, Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer, Oxy Daily Cleansing, Oxy Face Scrub Chill Factor, Akurza, Salitop, Dr Scholl's Corn/Callus Remover, Dr Scholl's Corn Removers Small, Dr Scholl's Corn Removers Ultra-Thin, Dr Scholl's Corn Removers Extra Thick, Aliclen, Salex Cream, Thera-Sal, Salkera, Salvax, Keralyt Scalp, Durasal, Salacyn, Stridex Naturally Clear, Acnevir, Virasal, Psoriasin Therapeutic Shampoo & Body Wash, Psoriasin Medicated Wash
What is salicylic acid topical?
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.
Salicylic acid topical is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, corns, and warts.
Salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What is the most important information I should know about salicylic acid topical?
Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using salicylic acid topical?
Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.
Before using salicylic topical, talk to your doctor if you
You may not be able to use salicylic acid topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
It is not known whether salicylic acid topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Salicylic acid topical may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use salicylic acid topical?
Use salicylic acid topical exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Gently clean and dry the affected area. For the treatment of warts and calluses, gentle removal of loose skin with a soft brush, wash cloth, or emery board may be recommended before application of the medication.
Shake the lotion gently before application.
Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area(s) as directed.
Use the soap and shampoo as directed on the package.
Apply the salicylic acid topical adhesive pads as directed on the package.
It is important to use salicylic acid topical regularly to get the most benefit. Do not stop using the medication if you do not see results immediately. Use the medication for the full amount of time directed.
Talk to your doctor if you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation of the skin, or changes in the color of the skin.
Store salicylic acid topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Some forms of salicylic acid topical may be flammable, keep away from heat and flame.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not apply a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of salicylic acid topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the medication has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.
What should I avoid while using salicylic acid topical?
Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation.
Avoid the use of abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or other peeling agents while using salicylic acid topical.
Salicylic acid topical side effects
Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of salicylic acid topical. If you do experience any of the following rare serious side effects, stop using salicylic acid topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor:
Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to use salicylic acid topical and talk to your doctor if you experience skin burning; stinging; itching; dryness; redness; peeling; or irritation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Salicylic acid topical Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Acne:
Salicylic acid topical 1% pad:
Cleanse affected area. Apply 2 to 3 times daily. If dryness occurs, reduce to every other or once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Dermatological Disorders:
Salicylic acid topical 16.7% liquid:
Wash and dry area thoroughly. Apply enough to cover each wart 1 to 2 times daily.
Salicylic acid 3% topical soap:
Apply to affect areas at least twice weekly. Leave lather on scalp or skin for two minutes then rinse. Repeat if necessary.
Salicylic acid topical 6% cream:
Apply to affected area once daily. Hydrate area for 5 minutes prior to application if possible. Occlude the area at night. Wash off in morning.
Salicylic acid topical 6% lotion:
Apply to affected area once daily. Hydrate area for 5 minutes prior to application if possible. Occlude the area at night. Wash off in morning.
Salicylic acid topical 6% foam:
Apply to affected area once daily at bedtime. Hydrate area for 5 minutes prior to application if possible. Occlude the area after application. Wash off in morning.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:
Salicylic acid topical 1% pad:
12 years or older: Cleanse affected area. Apply 2 to 3 times daily. If dryness occurs, reduce to every other or once a day.
What other drugs will affect salicylic acid topical?
Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation.
Avoid the use of abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or other peeling agents while using salicylic acid topical.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with salicylic acid topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
More salicylic acid topical resources
- Salicylic acid topical Side Effects (in more detail)
- Salicylic acid topical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Salicylic acid topical Drug Interactions
- Salicylic acid topical Support Group
- 1 Review for Salicylic acid - Add your own review/rating
- Akurza Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Duofilm Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Duoplant Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Durasal Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Freezone Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Hydrisalic Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Ionil Plus Shampoo MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Keralyt Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Keralyt Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Keralyt Scalp Shampoo MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Salacyn Lotion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Salex Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Salex Lotion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Salkera Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Salvax Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Virasal Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Virasal Film-Forming Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare salicylic acid topical with other medications
- Acne
- Dermatological Disorders
- Warts
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about salicylic acid topical written for health professionals that you may read.
See also: salicylic acid side effects (in more detail)