Salicylic Acid
Introduction To Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is an anti-bacterial medicine used to treat acne. Acne appears as spots or pimples on your face, chest, or back. This medicine works by attacking the germs that cause them.
Salicylic Acid may be used alone or with other acne treatments. You should use it as your doctor's advice. The leaflet that comes with the product will also give instructions which you should read to get the most out of this medicine. You should normally wash and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of gel once or twice a day. You should not apply it to damaged or broken skin and avoid contact with your mouth, eyes, and nose. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve and several months to get maximum benefit but after you have used it for a month you should see your doctor again to check if your condition is improving.
Salicylic Acid has some common side effects including itching, stinging, peeling, and redness of the skin. They are not usually serious but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. You may need to apply smaller amounts or use Salicylic Acid less often. This medicine can make you more sensitive to sunlight. While using it you should try to avoid exposure to too much sunlight. If this is unavoidable, apply the gel in the evening. It can also bleach hair and fabrics including clothes so be careful to avoid contact with these.
It is a safe medicine, but you should tell your doctor if you have other skin conditions and if you are taking any other medicines, especially those applied to the skin. It may not be suitable if you have very sensitive skin. Ask your doctor about using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Salicylic Acid
- Acne
Benefits of Salicylic Acid
Acne
Salicylic Acid works by stopping the growth of bacteria causing acne on your skin.
It reduces oil production in the skin, replenishes acne-prone skin, and keeps
your pores open. It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve so you
need to keep using this medicine even if it appears not to be working.
Sometimes acne may get worse before it gets better, however, with proper use,
your skin will get clearer. The earlier you start using it, the less likely
you are to get scars.
Side effects of Salicylic Acid
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Dersol
- Itching
- Stinging sensation
- Skin peeling
- Erythema (skin redness)
How to use Salicylic Acid
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and gently massage the ointment.
How Salicylic Acid works
Salicylic Acid is a keratolytic medication to be applied on the skin. It treats pimples (acne) by penetrating the skin and killing acne-causing bacteria. It additionally reduces oil production in the skin, replenishes acne-prone skin, and it also keeps your pores open.
Quick tips
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Salicylic Acid helps in the treatment and prevention of acne.
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Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and genitals. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
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It makes your skin sensitive towards sunlight. Use protective measures like sunscreen or wear protective clothing.
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Inform your doctor if you notice unusual dryness, redness and peeling of the skin.
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Do not apply to open wounds or irritated skin.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Salicylic Acid if I’m pregnant?
Salicylic Acid may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCAUTION
Can I take Salicylic Acid if I’m breastfeeding?
Salicylic Acid should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be held until the treatment of the mother is completed and the drug is eliminated from her body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How should Salicylic Acid be applied?
You should remove all of the make-up. Wash your hands and the affected area and gently dry. Put a thin layer of Salicylic Acid cream on the affected skin, using your fingertips. Apply it to the entire area affected by acne, not just each spot. After applying, wash your hands thoroughly with water.
Q. Should Salicylic Acid be left overnight?
At the beginning of the treatment, Salicylic Acid is usually used once daily in the evening. The area is not washed off after application of Salicylic Acid, so it can be left overnight unless you experience irritation. However, if you experience irritation, consult your doctor.
Q. What should prompt me to discontinue Salicylic Acid?
You should discontinue Salicylic Acid and consult your doctor if you experience severe local irritation, which means severe redness, dryness and itching and stinging/burning sensation.
Q. What precautions should be followed while applying Salicylic Acid?
Use Salicylic Acid only on your skin. Keep it away from areas like your eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and inside of the nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, wash the affected area with water immediately. Avoid using Salicylic Acid on scratched or eroded skin and open wounds. Take care when using Salicylic Acid on sensitive areas of skin such as your neck. Salicylic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sunlight. So, avoid the use of sunbeds/lamps and minimize the time you spend in the sun. You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Salicylic Acid. Avoid contact with hair as Salicylic Acid has bleaching properties. It can even bleach dyed or colored fabric, furniture or carpeting.
Q. How often should I apply Salicylic Acid?
The initial dose is preferably once daily in the evening. Later, the doctor will gradually increase the dose to twice daily (most probably morning and evening).
Q. How long does Salicylic Acid take to show its effects?
You may see an improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment. You may need to use this treatment for longer to see the full benefits. This is normal for acne treatments. If your acne does not get better after 1 month or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q. How long does Salicylic Acid take to work?
Usually, Salicylic Acid starts to clear acne within a few days of using it. However, for significant results with acne, it may take around 8 weeks of regular use of Salicylic Acid.
Q. What if I don't get better even after using Salicylic Acid for a few days?
Inform your doctor if your acne doesn’t clean up after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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