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Health

Salicylic acid

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 09.08.2022
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Salicylic acid is used exclusively externally. It has an antiseptic keratolytic and a mild antipruritic agent. In fairly weak concentrations, it acts antiseptically. Thus calms inflammatory processes and strengthens epithelization. Usually they are used in a weaker concentration. As for the 5-10% solution, the acid dissolves the upper stratum corneum of the epidermis. The agent has a particularly strong keratolytic effect in concentrations of more than 10%.

 

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Indications of the salicylic acid

Indications for use are quite diverse. So, together with boric acid, it is a part of powders, which are widely used for hyperhidrosis and eczema. So, 1-2% solution is used to wipe the skin with seborrhea. If the acid has a saturation of 1%, then it is used to eliminate acne.

A more concentrated solution is used to treat lichen, erythrasma and healthy areas of the skin around the foci of pyoderma. Widely used remedy for ichthyosis.

Salicylic acid allows you to get rid of calluses and soften the coarsened skin. Especially on the sole. In fact, acid is widely used in many industries and not only medicine. She can take away many inflammatory processes on the skin. It is widely used as an antiseptic. Salicylic acid can be used without consulting a specialist, but only in a small concentration. 

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Release form

Form release as a powder or alcohol solution. And the last variation can be different. In general, the drug is supplied in 10 ml vials.

The active substance of the drug is orthooxybenzoic acid. Means can be produced in various dosage forms. Basically, this is a 1% solution in vials of 25 and 50 ml. There is also a 2% remedy in similar packaging.

They also give medicines in the form of ointments. This is an ordinary can of 25 grams. There are also alcohol solutions of different concentrations. Basically, this is 1-10%, which are located in bottles of 25 and 40 ml.

Salicylic-zinc paste is in a 30 ml jar. Choosing one of the proposed products, it is worth considering the scope. Inside the product is not used, exclusively outside. Salicylic acid is selected based on the problem that needs to be eliminated. In this case, we mean the concentration of the drug. 

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Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics main formula of this tool - C7H6O3 = C6H4 (OH) - CO2H. The drug is a representative of the group of aromatic hydroxy acids. Judging from the neighboring positions of the benzene ring of the acid, the OH group is found, as in phenol, and the COOH group is similar to benzoic acid. It should be noted that this compound is widely used everywhere.

At a particular concentration, salicylic acid is able to coagulate microbial proteins. When used, it has a pronounced effect on sufficiently sensitive nerve endings. Acid can improve trophic and reduce pain.

The drug has the ability to inhibit the secretion of the sebaceous glands. In addition, a similar process is observed with sweat glands. Salicylic acid has a weak antimicrobial activity. Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it has antipruritic and anti-inflammatory action in the place of injury. 

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Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics is a certain formula. The agent, thanks to its active ingredient, has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Like other non-steroid drugs, the drug has a pronounced effect on the site of the lesion.

Salicylic acid is capable of inducing the release of phospholipase inhibitors. At the same time, biosynthesis of inflammatory mediators occurs. The agent is able to narrow the vessels and improve the structure of their walls. A similar process is observed in cell membranes.

The product can cause a soft exfoliation of the obsolete layer of the skin. The thinning of the stratum corneum occurs and the pores of the pores and the outflow of the sebaceous secretion are cleared. Salicylic acid is an indispensable tool for skin cleansing in the fight against acne, dandruff, the treatment of burns, wound surfaces, and certain skin diseases. This remedy is widely used in many concentrations to eliminate skin problems.

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Dosing and administration

The method of administration and dose are appointed by the attending physician. Much depends on the problem that needs to be addressed. The main task is to correctly choose the concentration of the drug. The solution is applied exclusively externally.

It is enough simply to apply it on a cotton swab and soak the affected area. For pimples and acne it is enough to apply the solution three times a day. If it is necessary to soften the calluses, the acid is also used 2-3 times a day. The procedure should be repeated for 3-4 days. The corn is then removed to a healthy tissue.

The daily dose is not more than 10 ml. Use the product is recommended exclusively to adults. The course of treatment is 7 days. In some cases, it may be exceeded.

Information regarding concentration can be obtained from your doctor. Independently to choose a preparation it is not necessary. A small concentration is not capable of causing harm, but if this solution is more than 5-10%, then various negative reactions from the skin are possible. Salicylic acid is really an effective remedy, but only with proper application. 

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Use of the salicylic acid during pregnancy

Use during pregnancy should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. The fact is that it is used as a local irritant. During pregnancy and during lactation, it is not recommended to use acid.

There were no special studies concerning the effect of the drug on the body of a woman and a fetus. Therefore, it should be used with extreme caution. During breastfeeding, in any case, you can not wipe the skin of the mammary glands. This will protect the child from penetration of the drug through breast milk.

In general, the drug is used exclusively externally. Therefore, it is almost impossible to penetrate the body and cause serious harm. But, despite this, to consult with a doctor is advisable. The risk of harm to one's own health is always present. In this case, it is great because of the fact that salicylic acid has different concentrations. Therefore, when choosing, problems may arise. 

Contraindications

Contraindications for use are hypersensitivity to the main component of this drug. The fact is that such an effect can lead to the appearance of an allergic reaction. The whole danger lies in the fact that it is capable of taking a serious character.

Applying acid is highly discouraged in case of kidney failure and childhood up to 3 years. It is necessary to understand that the organism of each person is individual. Even if there are no contraindications described above, exclude the development of a negative reaction from the body is not worth it.

Skin covers can be very sensitive. In this case, even the most "light" acid solution can be harmful. Therefore, before you start treatment, it is worth consulting with a specialist. Salicylic acid is not capable of leaving burns or worsening skin conditions. But, despite this, such a probability should not be excluded, at least, because the skin can be supersensitive. 

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Side effects of the salicylic acid

Side effects can be observed. In most cases, this is due to the presence of hypersensitivity to the main component of the drug in humans. Allergic reactions are possible in case of application of a highly concentrated solution. This leads to irritation. With individual intolerance, allergic dermatitis is observed.

 In some cases, the patients had a feeling of heat, a headache and shortness of breath. But basically this is possible only when processing a large plot.

Sometimes the soreness of the skin can be observed. This is mainly due to the increased concentration of the main component. Salicylic acid has a specific effect on the sebaceous and sweat glands. In any case, if you have unpleasant symptoms of irritation, remove the product from the skin. Salicylic acid has an extremely negative effect on sensitive skin and can lead to an allergic reaction. 

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Overdose

An overdose of the drug is extremely rare. This is mainly due to the wrong choice of concentration. So, it is possible the manifestation of an allergic reaction. It appears in the form of itching and hives. In some cases, there is a keratolytic effect.

If unpleasant symptoms appear, you should immediately remove the solution from the skin. This is done with the help of ordinary warm water. After this, it is necessary to consult a doctor about further treatment.

Basically, negative symptoms occur due to the use of a large amount of the drug. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to use acid in an increased dose. Moreover, to exceed the course of treatment is also not worth it.

 In case of accidental ingestion of the solution, the stomach must be washed immediately to remove the drug from the digestive tract. Salicylic acid is really a powerful remedy, which, if misused, can be harmful. 

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Interactions with other drugs

Interactions with other drugs are possible. But it is necessary to understand that this agent is capable of increasing the permeability of other pharmacological agents. This increases their absorption.

Salicylic acid, absorbed into the skin, may increase the side effects of hypoglycemic agents. They, in turn, are derivatives of sulfonylurea and methotrexate.

The acid solution is almost incompatible with resorcinol. When they interact, the formation of a melting mixture is possible. In the interaction with zinc oxide, the formation of an insoluble zinc salicylate is possible. This is why it is highly discouraged to apply these medications at the same time.

In any case, when using this tool, you need to inform the doctor about other medications used. This will avoid possible negative reactions from the body. Salicylic acid is not able to interact with drugs similar in composition. 

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions must be observed. So, the drug should be placed in a dry place, which will be protected from direct sunlight. Naturally, children should not have access to a medication. They can not only swallow it, but also cause serious damage to the eyes and skin.

The drug does not tolerate cold, dampness and sun. Therefore, these conditions must immediately be deleted. Particular attention should be paid to the external data of the drug. Acid should not change color and smell. Moreover, the appearance of sediment is unacceptable. Any changes indicate that the drug should not be used in the future. There is a risk of causing serious allergic reactions from the skin.

After opening, the vial is stored for no more than one month. Especially when it comes to alcohol solution. Alcohol over time is able to weather out and the drug can "work" in the opposite direction. Salicylic acid requires special storage conditions. 

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Shelf life

The shelf life of the product is 4 years. If this is an alcohol solution, the storage time is halved. If the vial was opened, then the remedy can be used only for one month. Then the alcohol will begin to erode, and the acid can be harmful.

To ensure that the product has served the specified time, special storage conditions must be observed. It is desirable that the drug is in a warm, dry place without direct sunlight. Moisture, dampness and cold are prohibited.

During storage, the solution should not change its external qualities. A similar requirement applies to smell. Otherwise, it is not recommended to use the medication. At the expiration of the expiration date, the remedy should be disposed of. It is unlikely to have a positive effect.

If the vial was opened, then you need to get rid of the medicine in a month. Salicylic acid is truly a good remedy, but it only benefits with proper application and storage.
 

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Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Salicylic acid" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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