Psoriasis is a collective term used to describe a group of autoimmune disorders characterized by the production of excess skin cells, irritation and the formation of scaly, flaky patches of skin. In some cases, you may effectively treat the symptoms of psoriasis with a topical skin treatment called salicylic acid.
The Basics
You may develop any one of five different forms of psoriasis, including guttate, plaque, pustular, erythrodermic and inverse forms of the disease, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Most frequently you will develop plaque psoriasis, which forms classic, scaly lesions. Psoriasis symptoms may arise at any age, and more than 7 million Americans have some form of the disease, reports the American Academy of Dermatology, known as the AAD. The condition is not contagious, and you cannot pass it on through casual or intimate contact.
Psoriasis Formation
Psoriasis forms when immune system components in your skin mistakenly attack and kill healthy skin cells, according to the AAD. In reaction, the affected skin initiates an accelerated life cycle and starts pushing abnormally large amounts of dead cells to your skin's surface. Although doctors do not fully understand the mechanisms behind psoriasis development, it appears that the originating faulty immune response stems at least partially from the complex interactions of a number of separate genes.
Salicylic Acid
You may receive salicylic acid as a treatment for plaque psoriasis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus resource. This medication belongs to a class of substances called keratolytics, and it achieves its effects by loosening and softening your psoriasis-affected skin and making it easier to remove. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may use salicylic acid anywhere from a few times a week to several times a day, Medline Plus notes. You may also receive either prescription or nonprescription forms of medication. Dosing options for salicylic acid include liquids, lotions, wipes, gels and creams.
Before Use
Before using salicylic acid, you should tell your doctor about any medication allergies, Medline Plus says. You should also inform your doctor about all medications you are using or plan to use during treatment, as well as the presence of diseases such as liver or kidney disease, blood vessel disease or diabetes. Breastfeeding women and women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should speak with their doctors before using salicylic acid. If your child has the flu or chicken pox, he should not use salicylic acid because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome. (See References 3)
Considerations
Medline Plus lists potential minor side effects of salicylic acid use that include stinging at the site of application and skin irritation. Tell your doctor if you experience persistent or severe versions of these symptoms. More serious potential side effects include rapid breathing, headaches, dizziness, confusion, ringing in your ears, hearing loss, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and extreme fatigue. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any degree of these symptoms. If your skin is infected, broken, irritated, red or swollen, you should not apply salicylic acid, Medline Plus reports.
