Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used in many skin products to treat acne, pigmentation, psoriasis, and dandruff. It works by exfoliating the skin and helping to keep the pores of the skin clear, thus reducing acne and blackheads. Salicylic acid is also used to treat calluses, skin warts, and corns on the feet.
Common side effects of salicylic acid include peeling of the skin, itching, stinging, and change in color of the skin. These effects are expected and are nothing to be worried about. However, serious side effects can occur, such as hives, burning and stinging of the skin, peeling, dryness, rapid breathing, difficulty in breathing, tinnitus, diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, light-headedness, dizziness, severe headache, thinking problems, severe burning of the skin or dryness, and swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop using the product and consult your doctor immediately for advice and medical help.
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. 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.
Before using salicylic acid, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
