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 (salicylism) can occur from topical application. Physicians should be mindful of the potential for salicylism or even death from topically applied salicylic acid.
Beth Israel Medical Center, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York; Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
Raman K
RK
Madan
Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. Electronic address: jacob.levitt@mssm.edu.
Jacob
J
Levitt
D000287:Administration, Topical; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007057:Ichthyosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D016019:Survival Analysis
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D020156:Salicylic Acid
ichthyosis; psoriasis; salicylic acid; salicylism; skin absorption; topical; toxicity