Salicylic acid topical

Salicylic acid topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrhea or psoriasis, corns, calluses, warts, and to help prevent symptoms from coming back.

Salicylic acid topical may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Salicylic acid topical comes in many forms, including liquid, gel, lotion, cream, ointment, foam, soap, shampoo, and cloth pads.

Do not change brand forms without advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make this medicine work better and may cause serious side effects.

Do not take by mouth. This topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Ask your doctor before using salicylic acid topical if the condition covers a large area of your body.

Do not bandage the treated skin or expose it to heat. Your skin may absorb the medicine, which could lead to harmful effects.

Do not use salicylic acid topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube or place it directly on your skin. A contaminated tube can infect your skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Shake the salicylic acid topical foam well before each use. Turn the medicine canister upside down to dispense the foam.

Store salicylic acid topical away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty container.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Salicylic acid topical can lead to a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and seek emergency medical help if you experience: hives, itching, wheezing or difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not use salicylic acid topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if salicylic acid topical is safe to use if you have:

• blood circulation problems;
• skin tenderness or redness;
• diabetes; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

Salicylic acid topical can cause a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using salicylic acid topical and get emergency medical help if you have: wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, itching, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Also stop using salicylic acid topical and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, peeling, dryness, or irritation after using this medicine.

Common side effects of salicylic acid topical may include:

• minor skin irritation, rash, itching, stinging, dryness; or
• color changes in treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Salicylic acid topical is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip it. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that might have ingredients similar to salicylic acid topical.

Do not use salicylic acid topical on open wounds or on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or mouth. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Some salicylic acid topical products can catch fire. Do not use them near high heat or an open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Do not use other medications on the areas you treat with salicylic acid topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you are taking, but many drugs can interact. Inform your doctor about all your current medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.