Medical uses of salicylic acid
Cotton pads soaked in salicylic acid for medical use | |
| Clinical data | |
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| Trade names | Various trade names |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
| Routes of administration | Topical administration |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | low |
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| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C7H6O3 |
| Molar mass | 138.122 g·mol−1 |
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Salicylic acid is used as a medicine to help remove the outer layer of the skin.[1] As such it is used to treat warts, skin tags, calluses, psoriasis, dandruff, acne, ringworm, and ichthyosis.[1][2] For conditions other than warts, it is often used together with other medications.[2] It is applied to the area affected.[1]
Side effects include skin irritation, and salicylate poisoning.[2] Salicylate poisoning tends to only occur when applied to a large area and in children.[2] Use is thus not recommended in children less than two years old.[2] It comes in a number of different strengths.[3]
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[4] It is also available mixed with coal tar, zinc oxide, or benzoic acid.[3]
- ^ a b c "Salicylic acid topical medical facts". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
- ^ a b c d e World Health Organization (2009). Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill SR (eds.). WHO Model Formulary 2008. World Health Organization. p. 310. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN 9789241547659.
- ^ a b British national formulary : BNF 69 (69 ed.). British Medical Association. 2015. pp. 814–815, 825, 833. ISBN 9780857111562.
- ^ World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.