Salicylic Acid Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What is the main side effect of salicylic acid? ›

Slight burning, skin redness, and peeling may occur. These effects are expected. If any of these effects worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include : skin tingling or stinging.

Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation. Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.

"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that has salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advised only using the product three times per week to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and acid-base balance in the body. This may result in delirium and tremors.

Skin reactions such as peeling/burning/dry/reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often.

1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, those dead skin cells, dirt, and oils appear on the surface of your skin, which clogs your pores and causes acne.

Salicylic acid is a popular skin care ingredient found in many over-the-counter products. It offers various benefits for the skin. It is commonly used to treat acne, blackheads, warts, corns, psoriasis, and signs of aging.

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.

Does salicylic acid get into bloodstream? ›

People who use this drug for a long time or over large areas of skin may rarely have serious side effects caused by this drug entering the bloodstream. Children younger than 12 years and people with liver or kidney problems are more at risk.

A dose of greater than 500 mg/kg of salicylate can result in severe hyperpnea, coma, and occasionally seizures. About 20% of the salicylate is oxidized in the tissues and 70% is excreted by the kidneys.

Salicylic acid is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). But it is known to cause serious liver damage occasionally. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are predicted to be the major factors of salicylic acid-induced liver injury.

As Salicylic acid is speeding up the rate at which your skin evicts old skin cells, it can sometimes initially cause more breakouts to come to the surface. This process is also known as purging. These blemishes were lurking there anyway, but have just made a more prompt appearance.

There can always be too much of a good thing and salicylic acid is no different. The main negative side effect when overused is it can irritate and cause excess dryness. If you have sensitive skin, choose your formula carefully as some products contain denatured alcohol, which can be additionally drying.

Nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and tinnitus are the earliest signs and symptoms of salicylate toxicity. Other early symptoms and signs are vertigo, hyperventilation, tachycardia, and hyperactivity. As toxicity progresses, agitation, delirium, hallucinations, convulsions, lethargy, and stupor may occur.

Also, avoid using cleansers and toners containing AHAs or BHAs like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Using all of these too often or incorrectly is probably the reason why your skin barrier is damaged. When your skin barrier is compromised, it's time to cut back on complex skincare and allow it just be.