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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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 take 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 of salicylic acid topical?
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.
Where can I get more information about salicylic acid topical?
Your pharmacist has information about salicylic acid topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of salicylic acid topical?
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.
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 avoid while taking 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.
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of salicylic acid topical?