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Overview: Topical salicylic acid is used for several skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, dandruff, corns, calluses, and warts. It works by softening and breaking down unwanted areas of skin, allowing new skin to grow in its place. The most common side effects are dry skin or skin irritation. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have unexplained dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Uses

What is topical salicylic acid used for?

Topical salicylic acid is commonly used for the following skin conditions.

Topical salicylic acid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Note: For some topical salicylic acid products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does topical salicylic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Topical salicylic acid seems to help soften and break down unwanted areas of skin (corns, calluses, warts, other affected skin). It does this by breaking down a protein in your skin, known as keratin. This allows the unwanted skin to go away and new skin to grow in its place.

How is topical salicylic acid supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aveeno Clear Complexion
  • Compound W
  • Dermarest
  • Differin Acne Clearing Body Scrub
  • Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers
  • Dr. Scholl's Clear Away
  • Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers
  • Dr. Scholl's Corn/Callus Remover
  • Effaclar
  • Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief
  • Keralyt
  • Mediplast
  • Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp
  • Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
  • UltraSal-ER
  • Virasal

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Various forms that are applied to the skin or are used to wash the skin, hair, or scalp

How should I store topical salicylic acid?

Topical salicylic acid should be stored at room temperature. Check the product label for any other specific storage information. Some products may be flammable and should be stored with the lid tightly closed, and excessive heat should be avoided. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your topical salicylic acid product. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical salicylic acid?

The most common side effects of topical salicylic acid are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dry skin
  • Skin irritation

There may be other side effects of topical salicylic acid that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical salicylic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical salicylic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical salicylic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical salicylic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Topical salicylic acid can cause skin irritation. Sometimes the skin irritation can be severe. Stop using topical salicylic acid and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop severe burning, stinging, or skin peeling.

Salicylate Toxicity. Rarely, topical salicylic acid can be absorbed into your blood and cause salicylate toxicity (high levels of salicylic acid in your blood). You may be at higher risk for this if you are using topical salicylic acid for a long period of time on a large area of your body, or if you use large amounts of it. Your risk may also be higher if you are younger (such as less than 12 years old) or if you have liver or kidney problems. Stop using topical salicylic acid and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms that cannot be explained otherwise.

  • Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Hearing loss
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Sleepiness
  • Breathing more deeply than normal
  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical salicylic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical salicylic acid.

  • Salicylic acid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical salicylic acid products they stock.

Children Under Age Two. Some topical salicylic acid products should not be used in children under two years old. Check product labels or ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.

What should I know about topical salicylic acid before using it?

If topical salicylic acid was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter topical salicylic acid, follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share topical salicylic acid that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical salicylic acid out of the reach of children.

Avoid breathing in the vapors or fumes of any topical salicylic acid product. 

Avoid getting topical salicylic acid in your eyes. If any gets in your eyes, flush them well with water (some product labels suggest flushing for 15 minutes).

Avoid using topical salicylic acid in your nose, mouth, vagina, or anus (poop hole), or on skin that is broken, irritated, or red. Also avoid use if you have a skin infection where you will be using it. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Below are some general tips on how to use topical salicylic acid. Check the product label for specific instructions. 

  • Body scrubs or face cleansers: Use on damp skin or hair, then rinse off.
  • Pads for acne: Use on clean skin.
  • Liquid or patches to remove corns, calluses, or warts: Apply to dry skin. Some products may suggest soaking the area in water and drying before use, to help the medicine to work better.
  • Liquid for your scalp: Use on wet hair, lather up like shampoo, leave on for a few minutes, and then rinse.

Topical salicylate can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. You may need to keep doing these things for about one week after using topical salicylic acid.

Using topical salicylic acid with other topical products may increase your risk for dry skin. 

People who have kidney or liver problems or who are younger than 12 can be at greater risk for some side effects from topical salicylic acid. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in one of these age groups. See the Side Effects section for more details.

After using topical salicylic acid, avoid covering the skin with bandages or ointments like petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Covering it can increase blood levels of salicylic acid and may lead to side effects. See the Side Effects section for more details.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical salicylic acid?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical salicylic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Use On a Large Area. Your body may absorb some of the medicine, allowing salicylic acid to get into your blood. This may cause side effects. The larger the area you use it on, the higher the risk for the medicine to get into your blood. Check with your healthcare provider before using topical salicylic acid on a large area of your body. 

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • Poor circulation
  • Current infection with chickenpox or flu (children or teenagers)
  • Liver or kidney problems 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical salicylic acid may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical salicylic acid, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical salicylic acid could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical salicylic acid passes into breast milk. Avoid using salicylic acid on or near the breast while breastfeeding, to avoid potential exposure to the baby. Some topical salicylic acid products suggest you stop breastfeeding or stop using topical salicylic acid. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

 

Interactions

Does topical salicylic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical salicylic acid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical salicylic acid.

Does topical salicylic acid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical salicylic acid, especially if you are using it on a large area of skin or for a long time.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Pyrazinamide, which is a medicine used to treat tuberculosis
  • Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • A sulfonylurea, such as glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride, which is a medicine used to treat diabetes
  • A salicylate, such as diflunisal, salsalate, methyl salicylate, or trolamine salicylate, which is a medicine used for muscle pain or arthritis
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical salicylic acid. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical salicylic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much topical salicylic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical salicylic acid?

Topical salicylic acid is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as the product labeling or your healthcare provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.