For many decades, Salicylic Alcohol has remained the drug solution that is most often used by people to treat skin diseases. What has earned this drug such popularity?
The drug “Salicylic Alcohol” was widely used due to its properties. It is used in the treatment of a variety of skin diseases. Use it for local infections of the subcutaneous tissue and skin of various etiologies; syndrome of staphylococcal lesions of the skin, having the form of burn-like blisters. He is released in a pharmacy without a prescription.
According to the ATX classification, “Salicylic alcohol” is classified as a dermatotropic, antifungal drug for external use. The main active ingredient of this drug is ortho-oxy-benzoic acid - colorless small crystals of white color, almost odorless, sparingly soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water and highly soluble in ether or alcohol. This substance in large quantities (about 75%) is contained in the form of a glycoside (salicin) in the bark of poplar and weeping willow. It is often used as an antipyretic. It was until recently that it was the main substance used for the synthesis of salicylic acid. A solution of salicylic acid in ethyl alcohol (1% and 2%) is sold under the name "Salicylic Alcohol." It is produced in bottles of dark brown glass of 50, 40 and 25 ml. Recently, in pharmacies you can find this drug imported, produced in large-capacity plastic bottles.
Like all external agents, this alcohol is applied only to the affected area of the patient’s skin. When can salicylic alcohol be used? The instruction for its use recommends its use in acne vulgaris, infectious skin lesions, ichthyosis, psoriasis, chronic eczema, dyskeratosis, corns, contact dermatitis, warts. It is also used for other skin diseases, such as burns or excessive sweating. On the affected surface, the drug should be applied daily with a cotton swab or disk 2-3 times. This remedy can be used both for monotherapy, and as one of the components in the combined treatment.
This tool can not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to its components. The popularity of this tool is due not only to its effectiveness, but also to its low cost and lack of age restrictions. The drug "Salicylic alcohol" during pregnancy and lactation can also be used with almost no restrictions.
As side effects, local reactions in the form of a slight burning sensation and itching are very rarely observed. Extremely rarely observed skin rashes that quickly disappear after discontinuation of the drug.
Salicylic alcohol does not lose its healing properties for 3 years if it is stored in a tightly sealed container. It must be stored in the dark at a temperature of no more than 20 ° C.
Alcoholic salicylic acid has a good exfoliating effect. It softens the upper layers of the skin, as well as fatty plugs in the pores and follicles, thereby preventing the formation of comedones.
When using this solution, several precautions must be followed. So the frequent use of salicylic alcohol along with other exfoliating products (scrubs, lotions) containing alcohols and acids can lead to overdrying of the skin and the appearance of severe irritation. The use of salicylic alcohol together with locally acting retinoids and benzoyl peroxide is unacceptable.