Salicylic Acid
Pronounced
"SAL-i-SIL-ik acid"
Common brand names:
Scholl, Zino
Uses
This medication is used on the skin to treat common skin and foot (plantar) warts. Salicylic acid helps cause the wart to gradually peel off. This medication is also used to help remove corns and calluses. This product should not be used on the face or on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, or genital/anal warts.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic. It belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin (salicylates). It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed the skin cells. Warts are caused by a virus. Salicylic acid does not affect the virus.
How to Use This Medication
Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Wash hands after use.
First, soak the corn, callus, or wart in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften the treatment area. Dry thoroughly. Your doctor may direct you to use a pumice stone, callus file, or emery board to carefully remove the top dead layers of skin after soaking and before applying the medication. This dead skin removal is only to help the medication work better. Do not try to rub the wart or callus off.
If you are using a liquid/gel, apply a few drops or a thin coat of the medication to cover the entire wart, callus, or corn using the applicator if provided. Be careful to apply it only to the affected area and not the surrounding skin. Let dry for 5 minutes. Depending on the brand used, you may need to apply the medication twice with each treatment. Check your product package and follow the directions carefully. You may cover the area loosely with a bandage. Repeat this procedure 1 to 2 times daily for up to 2 weeks for corns and calluses and 12 weeks for warts or as directed by your doctor.
If you are using a medicated pad or bandage, you may need to cut the pad so that it covers the treatment area completely but does not touch the surrounding skin. Peel off the protective covering and place the patch/bandage over the area. Leave in place according to package directions. Remove and place a new patch/bandage as directed (usually every 8 to 48 hours depending on brand). Repeat this procedure for up to 2 weeks for corns and calluses and 12 weeks for warts.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, product type/brand, and response to treatment. Do not use large amounts, apply this medication more often, or use it for a longer period than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but the chance for side effects may be increased.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
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