Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.

Salicylic acid topical is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, corns, and warts.

Salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.

Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.

Before using salicylic topical, talk to your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;

• have liver disease;

• have diabetes;

• have poor circulation; or

• are treating a child.

You may not be able to use salicylic acid topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

It is not known whether salicylic acid topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Salicylic acid topical may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.