User:Mr. Ibrahem/Medical uses of salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is used as a medicine to help remove the outer layer of the skin. As such it is used to treat warts, calluses, psoriasis, dandruff, acne, ringworm, and ichthyosis. For conditions other than warts, it is often used together with other medications. It is applied to the area affected.

Side effects include skin irritation, and salicylate poisoning. Salicylate poisoning tends to only occur when applied to a large area and in children. Use is thus not recommended in children less than two years old. It comes in a number of different strengths.

Salicylic acid has been in medical use since at least the time of Hippocrates. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In the United Kingdom 10 ml of a 17% liquid formulation costs the NHS about £1.71. It is also available mixed with coal tar, zinc oxide, or benzoic acid.