Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.

Salicylic acid topical is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, corns, and warts.

Salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Use salicylic acid topical exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Gently clean and dry the affected area. For the treatment of warts and calluses, gentle removal of loose skin with a soft brush, wash cloth, or emery board may be recommended before application of the medication.

Shake the lotion gently before application.

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area(s) as directed.

Use the soap and shampoo as directed on the package.

Apply the salicylic acid topical adhesive pads as directed on the package.

It is important to use salicylic acid topical regularly to get the most benefit. Do not stop using the medication if you do not see results immediately. Use the medication for the full amount of time directed.

Talk to your doctor if you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation of the skin, or changes in the color of the skin.

Store salicylic acid topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Some forms of salicylic acid topical may be flammable, keep away from heat and flame.

Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation.

Avoid the use of abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or other peeling agents while using salicylic acid topical.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with salicylic acid topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation.

Avoid the use of abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or other peeling agents while using salicylic acid topical.

An overdose of salicylic acid topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the medication has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.

Do not apply a double dose of the medication.

Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.

Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.

Before using salicylic topical, talk to your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;

• have liver disease;

• have diabetes;

• have poor circulation; or

• are treating a child.

You may not be able to use salicylic acid topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

It is not known whether salicylic acid topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Salicylic acid topical may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has additional information about salicylic acid topical written for health professionals that you may read.

Salicylic acid topical is available over-the-counter under many brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.