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How to Use Salycilic Acid

Salicylic acid facilitates shedding of the outer layers of your skin. The product diminishes acne and can even treat skin conditions like warts and psoriasis. Though salicylic acid can treat common and plantar warts, the U.S. National Library of Medicine discourages use of the product on genital warts, warts on the face and warts with hair growth (see Reference 1). Salicylic acid can cause side effects such as redness and drying of the skin.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Salicylic acid
  • Washcloth
  • Large container
  • Soap
  • Scissors
  • Cold packs
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Instructions

  1. Soap Option

    • 1
      Prepare your face for the product.

      Dab your face lightly with water. Work salicylic soap and warm water into a lather with your hands. Apply the soap to your face.

    • 2
      Ensure that the product is applied evenly.

      Use a soft washcloth to scrub the soap around your face. Rinse your face, and rinse the soap from your hands.

    • 3

      Combine hot water and salicylic soap in a container, when using the product on your feet. The Mayo Clinic suggests soaking your feet for up to 15 minutes (see Reference 2, Page 3). Gently dry your feet and leave the product on.

    Plaster Treatment Option

    • 4

      Wash warts or calluses with soap and water, and thoroughly dry your skin. You may exfoliate loose skin around your warts or calluses with a washcloth prior to treatment.

    • 5

      Remove the plaster from the packaging. Shape the plaster with your scissors to cover your callus or wart. Salicyclic acid plaster on warts or calluses should be changed every two days.

    • 6

      Use salicylic acid plaster on calluses for up to 14 days, changing the plaster every 2 days, recommends the Mayo Clinic. (See Reference 2, Page 3). For warts, plaster can be used for up to 12 weeks. To remove plaster from your skin, soak it in warm water for five minutes.

    Other Option Methods

    • 7

      When using salicyclic acid gel, place cold packs to your skin for five minutes before applying the gel. Gently spread the gel onto the affected areas and leave the gel on without rinsing.

    • 8

      When using salicyclic acid shampoo, soak your hair with water prior to shampooing. Apply the shampoo and massage your scalp, working the product into a lather for three minutes. Rinse out the product.

    • 9
      Salicyclic acid can be applied with a cotton ball.

      Wipe a topical solution of salicylic acid over the affected skin using cotton balls. Leave the product on.

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