What is salicylic acid today many know. This drug is, if not in every home, then for sure many. It is cheap, but it brings a lot of benefits. Today we look at what salicylic acid is. Its use helps in many cases, although even this, at first glance harmless, drug has its contraindications.
Salicylic acid: mechanism of action
It was first obtained in the 19th century from willow bark. This is one of the first drugs used to eliminate inflammation. A few years later, the widely known acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) was obtained from salicylic acid, the toxicity of which was several times less.
Today, salicylic acid has only external use. It is produced in the form of ointments, alcohol and aqueous solutions of 1-2% concentration, as well as powders and pastes. The mechanism of action of the drug is to suppress the secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as the elimination of inflammatory processes. As a rule, today this drug is used for chronic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, seborrhea, pustular rash, psoriasis and other skin diseases. Derivatives of salicylic acid, for example the same aspirin, can be prescribed orally for colds, flu, as a painkiller. But that is not all. Salicylic acid is also used in cosmetology. So, it is used to get rid of acne, warts, black dots, corns and corns. It helps to fight with oily skin, as it has a drying effect, and can also be used as an exfoliating agent. In general, the drug is cheap, but it can bring so much benefit. Let us dwell in more detail on the use of salicylic acid in cosmetology.
Salicylic Acid for Warts and Acne
To get rid of warts, it is easiest to use "Salipod" - a patch based on salicylic acid. It is glued to the warts, and removed after two days. After that, each wart should be soaked in warm water, and then remove its upper layer. Then the patch is glued again, the procedure is repeated until they completely disappear. You can completely do without a patch, using acid as lotions. A cotton pad or just a piece of fleece should be moistened with acid, then applied to the wart and removed only when the material is completely dry. Such a procedure will have to be done more than once.
Acne treatment with salicylic acid is based on rubbing the face, applying compresses. For these purposes, a weak acid solution (1-2%) is used, while it should not be prepared with alcohol, since in this case the skin will be very dry. An aqueous solution is best. Therefore, the use of salicylic acid is contraindicated for dry skin. Also, the acid effectively fights stains that remain after extruding acne. It is not recommended for use with other acne medications, it also threatens to dry the skin. It is worth paying attention to the fact that salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliating agent, so when it is used, the skin is updated.
Acetylsalicylic acid at temperature
Elevated temperature can be felt in various diseases, including with the common cold. Salicylic acid has also been used in the fight against this unpleasant symptom. More precisely, acetylsalicylic acid. This is one of the most familiar means, which simply must be in the medicine cabinet of every family. Meanwhile, this medicine is unsafe, therefore, its doctor should be consulted about its use. Acetylsalicylic acid cannot be used to lower the temperature in children.