The use of willow leaves to treat fever and inflammation reaches back as far as ancient Egypt. The Egyptians could not have imagined the amazing future of the willow extract called salicylic acid. This chemical and its derivatives are called salicylates and are used today in a dazzle of applications. Possibly the best-known product is aspirin. Officially known as acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin is salicylic acid synthesized with acetyl. From beauty aid to pain reliever, salicylic acid is a hard-working tool on the chemist's shelf.
History
According to Philip Mackowiak in "A Brief History of Antipyretic Therapy," in 1897, a German chemist named Felix Hoffman was searching for a drug that would help his father with painful arthritis. Hoffman knew that salicylic acid had been used to treat pain and fever since ancient times, but most could not tolerate the side effects. Salicylic acid is an irritant and its use often caused gastrointestinal problems. Hoffman produced acetylsalicylic acid, which was tolerated much better yet kept its useful properties as a pain reliever. Heinrich Dreser, the head of Bayer laboratories, opened the door to salicylic acid's many uses by marketing the drug under the name aspirin. Dreser was familiar with acetyl synthesis because he had used the process to make heroin.
Products
According to the "Gale Encyclopedia for Alternative Medicine," salicylic acid is considered a beta hydroxy acid and is used in many skin preparations. When used as a chemical peel, it strips away the top layer of skin, so newer skin is revealed. Peels are often used as a treatment for lines and wrinkles.
When used in chemical peels, salicylic acid is used at a very strong 30 percent concentration. However, only professionals should apply this strength to the skin. Salicylic acid is found in lower concentrations for home use in skin cleansers and acne medications. Because salicylic acid is not water soluble, it is able to penetrate the pores and clean skin thoroughly enough to prevent breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also found in beauty creams as a mild solution for home exfoliation, which is removal of dead skin and debris. You also can find salicylic acid in wart removal products.
Other Uses
A variety of products feature salicylic acid or its derivatives. Interestingly, while salicylic acid is a stomach irritant, its derivative, bismuth subsalicylate--better known as Pepto Bismol--is a stomach-soothing remedy that treats indigestion and diarrhea. Mouthwash and toothpaste sometimes contain sodium salicylate, which acts as a mild antibiotic. Menthyl salicylate is found in suntan lotion. Salicylic acid even lends a hand in the treatment of dandruff, as some dandruff shampoos contain salicylic acid.
Benefits
Salicylic acid and its derivatives are useful for relieving pain and inflammation when taken internally. Used topically, it benefits the skin. One side effect provides benefits for some patients.
Salicylates work to inhibit enzymes that promote blood clotting. Excessive bleeding is considered a side effect of salicylate use. However, in some patients this side effect is beneficial as it is thought to prevent heart attacks and stroke by thinning the blood, according to Nanette M. Wachter in her 2004 article "Acetylsalicylic Acid." Doctors sometimes prescribe low doses of aspirin to those at risk for cardiovascular problems.
Another important benefit of salicylic acid is that topical treatment can be placed only where needed. This eliminates the side effects that an oral medication could cause throughout the body.
Warnings
Any time you are using salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid treatments on the skin, use sunscreen and take care not to be exposed to too much sunlight.
If you have an allergy to aspirin, do not to use any products that contain salicylic acid.
Be careful not to apply any salicylic acid product too near the eyes as this would cause irritation.
Salicylic acid preparations or medications should not be used for children under 16 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but often fatal disease linked to aspirin use in children.
References
- The Columbia Encyclopedia: Salicylic Acid
- Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: Beta Hydroxy
- Macroscale and Microscale Organic Experiments: Synthesis of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
- Chicago Journals: Brief History of Antipyretic Therapy
- Chemistry: Foundations and Applications: Acetylsalicylic Acid
