Generic

Salicylic Acid

Indications

Salicylic Acid (6% w/w): These topical treatments are used to treat the following scaly conditions:

• Chronic atopic dermatitis
• Lichen simplex
• Psoriasis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Ichthiosis

Salicylic acid at 12%: These topical treatments are used to treat the following scaly conditions:

• Warts (small excessive growths of skin caused by a type of virus. Warts often occur on the fingers or on the back of the hands).
• Verruca (occurs only on the sole of the feet and can be painful. It often looks like a small white ring of skin with a black dot in the centre).
• Corns and Calluses (are hard, thick pads of skin caused by pressure and friction. They usually occur on the feet due to poorly fitting shoes and can occur on the hands).

Pharmacology

When applied topically to the skin, salicylic acid has a strong keratolytic effect as well as a minor antiseptic effect. The medication shows keratoplastic action (correction of aberrant keratinization) at low doses and keratolytic activity at higher ones (causes peeling of skin). Salicylic acid softens and destroys the stratum corneum by raising endogenous hydration (water concentration), which causes the cornified epithelium (horny layer of the skin) to expand, soften, and finally desquamate. Overuse of the medication has been linked to normal skin necrosis. Salicylic acid has a caustic impact at high concentrations. Moisture is required for Salicylic Acid to operate on the skin, as well as for maceration and desquamation of epidermal tissue. The medication has ineffective antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Dosage & Administration

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 is used in children over 2 years.

Interaction

Unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional, do not apply any additional topical treatments to the affected area. They may obstruct therapy or aggravate skin irritation.

Contraindications

It should not be used in any patient who is known to be allergic to Salicylic Acid or any of the other components indicated.

Side Effects

An allergic response (such as shortness of breath, throat closure, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, or hives) or severe skin irritation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Type C. It should not be used on the chest area by nursing moms to avoid inadvertent infection of the infant.

Precautions & Warnings

Only for external usage. Avoid coming into touch with your eyes and other mucous membranes.

Therapeutic Class

Salicylic preparation for topical use

Storage Conditions

Store at temperatures no higher than 30°C. Keep away from light and out of children's reach.

Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.