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How does salicylic acid work for pain?
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.
What are keratolytic agents used for?
Keratolytic agents are used to remove scale, to smooth the skin, and to treat hyperkeratosis. Removing the thick scale allows topical corticosteroids and other topical medications to better reach the target tissues and achieve better results. This is especially important on the scalp.
Who should not use salicylic acid?
Be careful not to get topical salicylic acid in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you accidentally get topical salicylic acid in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area with water for 15 minutes. Do not apply topical salicylic acid to skin that is broken, red, swollen, irritated, or infected.
Is salicylic acid harmful?
Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include: skin tingling or stinging.
Is salicylic acid cancerous?
“Ancient anti-inflammatory drug salicylic acid has cancer-fighting properties: Diflunisal — a cousin of aspirin — blocks a key protein that causes tumor formation in leukemia.” ScienceDaily.
Is salicylic acid just aspirin?
This unique drug belongs to a family of compounds called the salicylates, the simplest of which is salicylic acid, the principal metabolite of aspirin. Salicylic acid is responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of aspirin, and may cause the reduced risk of colorectal cancer observed in those who take aspirin.
What are keratolytic ingredients?
What are keratolytic ingredients? A few different keratolytic ingredients can be found in topical medications. These include salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, coal tar, pyrithione zinc, glycolic acid, tretinoin, and acitretin. Olive oil can also be used as a keratolytic.
How safe is salicylic acid?
What is the meaning of keratolytic?
Keratolytic (/ˌkɛrətoʊˈlɪtɪk/) therapy is a type of medical treatment to remove warts, calluses and other lesions in which the epidermis produces excess skin.
What is an example of a keratolytic agent?
Urea. Salicylic acid. Lactic acid. Fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids)