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Salicylic Acid is available by prescription only as a topical aid in the removal of excessive keratin in hyperkeratotic skin disorders including verrucae and the various ichthyoses (vulgaris, sex-linked and lamellar), keratosis palmaris and plantaris, keratosis pilaris, pityriasis rubra pilaris and psoriasis (including body, scalp, palms and soles).
Pharmacology
Salicylic Acid has a potent keratolytic & a slight antiseptic action when applied topically to the skin. In low concentrations, the drug has keratoplastic activity (correction of abnormal keratinization) & in higher concentrations, the drug has keratolytic activity (causes peeling of skin). Salicylic Acid softens & destroys the stratum corneum by increasing endogenous hydration (water concentration), probably because of decreased pH, which causes the cornified epithelium (horny layer of the skin) to swell, soften, & then desquamate. Necrosis of normal skin has been associated with overuse of the drug. At high concentrations, Salicylic Acid has a caustic effect. Moisture is essential for Salicylic Acid to exert its action on the skin and for maceration and desquamation of epidermal tissue to occur. The drug has weak antifungal & antibacterial activity.