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The most common side effect is irritation. If you experience any of the following, stop using salicylic acid immediately and consult your doctor or dermatologist.
- • Burning or tingling skin
- • Dryness
- • Redness
- • Peeling
‘If applied in large amounts, high percentages, and to large surface areas, there is a chance of salicylic acid overdose,’ Dr Nasir warns. When used as a standalone product, salicylic acid can be found in varying concentrations usually between 0.5 to 2 per cent. *
Even though salicylic acid is available in OTC preparations you can pick up at your local grocery store, you should talk with your doctor before using it. Considerations to discuss include:
- Allergies. Let your doctor know if you’ve experienced allergic reactions to salicylic acid or other topical medications before.
- Use in children. Children may be at more risk of skin irritation because their skin absorbs salicylic acid at a higher rate than adults. Salicylic acid should not be used for children under the age of 2.
- Drug interactions. Certain medications do not interact well with salicylic acid. Let your doctor know what medications you’re currently taking.
You should also tell a doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions, as these may affect their decision to prescribe salicylic acid:
- • liver disease
- • kidney disease
- • blood vessel disease
- • diabetes
- • chickenpox (varicella)
- • flu (influenza)
Salicylic acid toxicity
Salicylic acid toxicity is rare but, it can occur from topical application of salicylic acid. To reduce your risk, follow these recommendations:
- • do not apply salicylic acid products to large areas of your body
- • do not use for long periods of time
- • do not use use under air-tight dressings, such as plastic wrap
Immediately stop using salicylic acid and see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or signs:
- • lethargy
- • headache
- • confusion
- • ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- • hearing loss
- • nausea
- • vomiting
- • diarrhea
- • increase in breathing depth (hyperpnea) *
