salicylic acid

[Hadrian]

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is not, by itself, a treatment which will typically eliminate psoriasis. It is, instead, a commonly-used scale remover. It will dissolve the built-up dead skin on psoriasis plaques. It is extremely useful as an adjunct to other true antipsoriatic treatments, though, in that by getting rid of the dead skin, the other medications can get to the live, inflammed skin underneath more easily (this is especially important for UV treatments, as the scales block UV light).

Salicylic acid is also used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, which may help when psoriatic lesions have been infected by fungal or bacterial growths. These infections can inflame psoriasis, cause it to itch unbearably, or even aggravate the disease to the point where other psoriasis medications will fail. Of course, if you suspect an infection in your plaques, see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment.

Typically, salicylic acid as used in psoriasis treatments is on the order of 3% concentrations. In some people, this can lead to skin irritation or even a worsening of the disease. Pansy and Poplar Bud contain salicylic acid naturally (around 0.3% for Pansy), but even in low strengths, irritation of the skin can still be a concern.

At the other end of the scale, wart removers such as Compound-W, contain salicyclic acid at strengths around 17%. I've tried using Compound-W on a stubborn plaque, myself. Don't try it. I don't have particularly sensitive skin, but Compound-W burned the normal skin near the one plaque I tried it on.

Please note that the combination of salicylic acid and sulphur is not considered by the United States' FDA to be a treatment for psoriasis. It is, instead, a treatment for dandruff. Beware of anyone who sells a salicylic acid and sulphur treatment for psoriasis. Products which combine salicylic acid and sulphur and which are advertised for dandruff are not listed here.

Reviewed Treatments and Information:

MG217 Products  
Psoriasin S/A Therapeutic Shampoo  
Simicort  
Skin Care For Dummies  
Unreviewed Treatments and Information:
Dermatologistrx.com Glossary  
MEDLINEplus Drug Information  
National Psoriasis Foundation  
xferer  

Baar.com Psoriasis Products  
Betasal Shampoo  
British National Formulary  
Burasil
Comfort House Psoriasis Cream
Denorex
Dermarest® Psoriasis Products  
Diprosalic Lotion (with steroids)
Home Health Everclean Antidandruff Shampoo
Home Health Psoriasis Cream
IGIÁ Psoriasis Cream
Neutrogena® T/Sal
PS:relief!TM  
Sal-3 Soap

[dippitmaggie]

Docs can give salycilic acid in vaseline or aqueous cream I have used this for removing hard skin/ppp on the feet but it can also be very strong and can leave underlying skin raw and a bit too new to be on the surface.  Be cvareful and apply sparingly.  I used to get it in emulsifying to remove hard scale on knees and elbows as a child.  I remember crying as I felt it burning my skin.  If I use it now its on the soles of my feet or the palms of my hand and only for a week as I find it strips the skin off me.

[Hong_Konger]

Whats your feeling on Salicylic acid mixed with sulphur and camphor...I used to get this mixed in soft yellow parrafin - it worked a treat at removing scale. I used to get this in hospital for a couple of days before starting treatment. I got the recipe and used to have my pharm make it for me specially.

Ever tried peeing in a bowl and soaking your feet in it - sounds nasty but it does work...although no better than a scoop of clothes washing powder mixed in water.

[Tim_]

I remember that. One day returning from the docs with the usual collection of betnovate and other stuff was a mixture of Salycylic acid and Mercuric chloride  as a lotion for the scalp.
Funily enough it was the first time I though what the hell am I putting on my skin and scalp and started to look for something else.
Nowerdays hemp oil does the trick fine.

[Mrs_Sheepz]

When I really have a rough time with my scalp I use salycic acid before wahing my hair (30 mins) and afterwards comb he loosened flakes out with a comb used for lice.
It works a treat (I don't even mind the pain sometimes causes, because I know hoa good the result will feel )

Fortunately my scalp p is so good at the moment (don't know what happened - but won't ask any questions and just be really grateful ) I don't need it

[Hadrian]

Ever tried peeing in a bowl and soaking your feet in it - sounds nasty but it does work...although no better than a scoop of clothes washing powder mixed in water.

In our urine (?spelling?) there is always a small quantity of UREA. That`s why. Some ointments contains urea. I used a urea cream for two months for my soles and palms, and already the soles are 90% cleared - my palms` p is still very stubborn.

[Aginoth]

I use Salicylic Acid in the form of Diprosalic Scalp Lotion.

Excellent Stuff, gets rid of most of the P in a couple of weeks when used 2x daily

[archie]

Docs can give salycilic acid in vaseline or aqueous cream I have used this for removing hard skin/ppp on the feet but it can also be very strong and can leave underlying skin raw and a bit too new to be on the surface.  Be cvareful and apply sparingly.  I used to get it in emulsifying to remove hard scale on knees and elbows as a child.  I remember crying as I felt it burning my skin.  If I use it now its on the soles of my feet or the palms of my hand and only for a week as I find it strips the skin off me.

I seem to have the same problems as Maggie.
The last lot of steroid ointment I got from my GP had to be stopped after just a few days as it was burning the skin too much and becoming even more painful than it already was.
I'd be too wary to use this incase the same thing happened again.

[Hadrian]

I seem to have the same problems as Maggie.
The last lot of steroid ointment I got from my GP had to be stopped after just a few days as it was burning the skin too much and becoming even more painful than it already was.
I'd be too wary to use this incase the same thing happened again.

I think that somebody`s a little confused here, and maybe it`s me: as seen above - I also knew that - salicylic acid is NOT a steroid. If anybody knows for sure that IS a steroid, please let me know; I keep on using it, so it`s important for me. :-/

[archie]

Sorry Adrian, I don't know if its a steroid or not - although I suspect it isn't.
What I meant was, my skin obviously is very sensitive to the steroid creams that I have used in the past and that, if like Maggie says, she gets the burning feeling, I am not sure that I would like to try it.
If it works for you, then thats great and I hope you get the rsults you want from it.