Use of Salicylic Acid: Treatment of Genital Warts

Salicylic acid comes in many dosage forms. These are creams, gels, lotions, ointments, pads, plasters, shampoos, soaps, and topical solutions. These forms are normally safe but in using salicylic acid, one must keep in mind that salicylic acid could be toxic if used excessively. Therefore, a person must exercise caution when using salicylic acid as an alternative treatment to many skin diseases.

Being derived from an extract of a willow bark, salicylic acid is considered an herbal remedy for illnesses such as warts, corn, acne, and even dandruff. But being an herbal remedy does not imply that it can be used without a doctor’s supervision. Natural herbal remedies are just as potent as the ones which are synthetically produced.

When using the salicylic acid as a natural remedy, one must avoid placing this substance over sensitive areas such as the eyes, lips, nose, and genitals. One should not place the salicylic acid in wart removers over birthmarks and moles. And one should avoid using salicylic acid when his skin is burned, chapped, or broken. The salicylic acid, as a natural remedy, may not help but worsen the burn or the open wound.

When one plans to use salicylic acid as an alternative treatment, one should first consult the physician, especially if one is suffering or undergoing treatment for other diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. The salicylic acid may interfere with the medication of such diseases. And the physician may not advise the use of salicylic acid during such circumstances. At the same time, pregnant and breast-feeding women are advised to avoid using salicylic acid.

How to use the salicylic acid as an herbal remedy will differ, depending on the dosage form. For example, salicylic acid in lotions must be shaken first so that the emulsion inside have a good distribution of salicylic acid. As plasters for warts and calluses, the salicylic acid must be applied only after the warts and calluses have been cleaned and dried. As for salicylic acids contained in soaps, shampoos, and pads, the person must carefully check the label for instructions.

One should also remember that salicylic acid, as a natural remedy, is relatively gentle. That is, one will not find immediate and radical results. Instant results are not often safe. Thus, one should keep using the dosage of this herbal remedy for the prescribed duration.

Once a person has been using salicylic acid as an alternative treatment to skin disorders, he should also watch out for side effects. Side effects of using salicylic acid are rare, but when there is intolerable burning or alarming discoloration, a person should again consult a doctor.

The salicylic acid usage may not agree with other forms of topical treatment. This means that one should avoid using the salicylic acid in combination with tinctures, astringents, alcoholic cleansers, and other abrasives. One must keep in mind that salicylic acid, as a natural remedy, works by helping the outermost skin layer slough off. Thus, one should avoid using other peeling substances.