A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations

Topical salicylic acid is often used in dermatologic conditions because of its keratolytic, bacteriostatic, fungicidal, and photoprotective properties. The bioavailability of salicylic acid differs depending on the vehicle used and pH of transcellular fluids. Although rare, salicylic acid toxicity (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 70; no. 4; pp. 788 - 792
Main Authors Madan, Raman K., MD, Levitt, Jacob, MD
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2014
Subjects
Administration, Topical
Dermatology
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - etiology
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - mortality
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - physiopathology
Female
Humans
ichthyosis
Ichthyosis - diagnosis
Ichthyosis - drug therapy
Keratolytic Agents - adverse effects
Keratolytic Agents - therapeutic use
Male
Prognosis
psoriasis
Psoriasis - diagnosis
Psoriasis - drug therapy
Risk Assessment
salicylic acid
Salicylic Acid - adverse effects
Salicylic Acid - therapeutic use
salicylism
skin absorption
Skin Absorption - drug effects
Survival Analysis
topical
toxicity
toxicity
topical
skin absorption
psoriasis
salicylic acid
salicylism
ichthyosis
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Summary:Topical salicylic acid is often used in dermatologic conditions because of its keratolytic, bacteriostatic, fungicidal, and photoprotective properties. The bioavailability of salicylic acid differs depending on the vehicle used and pH of transcellular fluids. Although rare, salicylic acid toxicity (salicylism) can occur from topical application. Physicians should be mindful of the potential for salicylism or even death from topically applied salicylic acid.
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.12.005