salicylic acid acne (OTC)

Frequency Not Defined

Stinging/burning of skin

Desquamation

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Moles

Birthmarks

Eyes

Facial warts or warts on mucous membranes

Warts with hair growing from them

Genitals

Infected, reddened, or irritated areas

Cautions

Topical use only

Avoid contact with eyes

Serious allergic reactions

• Rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions or severe irritation reported
• Instruct patients to stop using their topical acne product and seek emergency medical attention immediately if they experience hypersensitivity reactions (eg, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling fain, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue)
• Also instruct patients to stop using the product if they develop hives or itching
• These serious hypersensitivity reactions differ from the local skin irritation that may occur at the product application site (eg, redness, burning, dryness, itching, peeling, or slight swelling)

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: unknown

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Comedolytic agent. Inhibits the formation of comedones resulting from oil and skin cells that become trapped in the pore.

Its lipophilic characteristics facilitate the peeling of the exterior layer of the dermis and opens follicles that are plugged. This leads skin cells to renew their cell cycle of proliferation and differentiation.

Salicylic acid can interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade of the inflammatory process. This action results in the reduction of inflammatory acne lesions.

Instructions

Before using a topical acne product for the first time, patients should apply a small amount to 1 or 2 small affected areas of the skin for 3 days, if no discomfort/allergy occurs, then the product can be used according to the directions