Dermatopharmacology of Salicylic Acid

Abstract

The history and the dermatotherapeutic activity spectrum of salicylic acid are briefly reviewed

Effect of Repeated Skin Application on Percutaneous Absorption of Salicylic Acid

“…The increase in flux was quite substantial and supports reports that treatment of the skin with salicylic acid may facilitate the absorption of other medicaments (10). Following further treatment, this flux gradually decreased.…”

“…The wide range of dermatotherapeutic effects of salicylic acid is also concentration dependent (10). In concentrations of 5% or more, salicylic acid exerts a keratolytic effect on the skin; in concentrations of less than 5%, a keratoplastic effect is apparent (10).…”

The role of salicylic acid in the treatment of psoriasis

“…Willow bark is an ancient herbal remedy 7 . The chemical structure of its active ingredient, salicylic acid (2‐hydroxybenzoic acid), was identified in 1838.…”

“…In 1885 large‐scale production of synthetic salicylic acid began. It is one of the oldest known keratolytics 7 and a well‐established treatment for many dermatologic conditions, including psoriasis 46 …”

“…Today there are many therapies for psoriasis, all with varying degrees of effectiveness and safety. Salicylic acid is one commonly used topical agent; 6 however, although salicylic acid has been known for more than a century, 7 there is a remarkable lack of published data on its use in psoriasis.…”