Salicylic ointment: contraindications and application features

Pharmacology offers many remedies for the treatment of skin pathologies. One of these drugs is salicylic ointment. It contains salicylic acid, which an Italian scientist synthesized from willow bark. Knowing the features of the drug, its capabilities, indications and contraindications for use, patients will be able to easily use the drug to treat the most complex ailments.

Features of salicylic acid

The drug salicylic ointment is a dermatological product of the salicylic acid group of medications. This explains the pharmacological properties. When used topically, the composition exhibits weak antiseptic, irritating and distracting properties. Due to the ability to suppress the work of the sebaceous and sweat glands, the drug in low concentrations exhibits a keratoplastic effect, and in high concentrations it exhibits a keratolytic effect.

Salicylic acid has gained popularity and fame due to its ability to treat skin diseases. This compound is the basis of another drug - Aspirin; salicylates are also part of medicinal plants with antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Acid is an essential ingredient in many skin and hair care products.

The ointment is applied externally and has a wound-healing and antiseptic effect. This medicine can be bought cheaply, and the low cost does not in any way affect the excellent quality of the drug.

Principles of the effect of salicylic acid (ointment) on the skin:

• Penetrates deeply in the local application area.
• It has the ability to suppress the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands.
• Softens the top layer of skin and quickly eliminates deep inflammatory processes.

Salicylic ointment does an excellent job of cleansing purulent wounds. The ability to soften the top layer accelerates the process of cleansing lesions, and due to its irritating properties, blood flow to the wound is ensured, which leads to stopping the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and rapid healing.

Types of keratolytics

Heel softeners vary in the presence of active ingredients in the composition and can be:

• alkaline;
• acidic;
• with urea.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

Alkaline keratolytics

This is the most active softener that can easily cope with rough skin, old calluses, and corns on the feet. The alkali quickly dissolves the proteins and lipids that make up the epidermis, the surface of the skin becomes loose and dead particles can be easily removed with a pedicure file.

Alkaline keratolytics are quite active, so they should be used with caution and preference should be given to trusted manufacturers. Lotion for removing calluses and corns “Liquid Pedicure” from ARAVIA Professional is a product that quickly copes with foot problems, restoring the skin smoothness, softness and well-groomed appearance.

Acid keratolytics

Acid-based keratolytics

, as a rule, used for peeling.

• Fruit acid renews and moisturizes the skin.
• Salicylic acid has an antimicrobial effect.
• Dairy helps reduce the manifestations of hyperkeratosis.

But acids act only on the surface of the epidermis; they are not able to penetrate deeper layers and will not be able to cope with too rough skin.

Urea-based keratolytics

Products with urea

cause protein denaturation, that is, under the influence of the active substance, intercellular connections are broken and stretched. The stratum corneum of the epidermis softens greatly, but to remove it, you will have to make some effort by actively treating the skin with a file.

It is important to consider that when using a keratolytic with a high urea content (above 20%), the skin will quickly lose moisture and become very dry. Therefore, this product should only be applied to problem areas of the skin with severe roughness and it is better to entrust this to a professional.

Indications for use of salicylic ointment

The drug is used both in monotherapy and in complex treatment for inflammatory, infectious and other lesions of the skin. The product is inexpensive, the price at the pharmacy will not make you empty your wallet, but at the same time the ointment really helps get rid of various problems.

Salicylic ointment is prescribed for diseases such as:

1. Psoriasis, eczema (including weeping). The drug is also prescribed for dermatitis of varying severity.
2. Ichthyosis, acne vulgaris, warts. The ointment is used in the treatment of oily seborrhea, focal dandruff, etc.
3. Wounds, including purulent ones, with extensive lesions of the skin.
4. Hair loss, sweaty feet.

External use and the lack of absorption into the systemic bloodstream allow the use of salicylic ointment to get rid of a wide variety of ailments. The only thing to consider is that the drug is available in different dosages. In particular, for the treatment of psoriasis they buy an ointment of 2-5%, for warts and calluses - 10%.

How to use keratolytics correctly

Depending on the release form (gel, foam, lotion) and the active substance, the methods of using the liquid blade may differ.

But the general recommendations are as follows.

• Wash your feet, dry them and treat them with a disinfectant.
• Apply the softener to rough areas of the skin using a cotton pad or napkin. For severe hyperkeratosis, wrap your feet in cling film for a more active effect.
• Wait for the time specified by the manufacturer and remove the softened layer of epidermis using a file. Depending on the condition of the skin and the drug used, the time may be increased.
• Spray the softened area with water to remove excess product.
• Sand the feet with a file with the finest abrasiveness.
• Rinse your feet with water again.
• Apply a care product to the treated skin. For feet prone to cracking, regenerating cream with lavender Medi Heal Cream is suitable. And for additional hydration, the best choice would be a cream with hyaluronic acid Active Cream.

Contraindications and special measures

Absolute contraindications include only individual intolerance to salicylic acid. But this is rare, so it is better to buy the ointment in advance at an online pharmacy in Moscow. Special safety measures are very simple:

• Apply externally, avoiding contact with mucous membranes, oral and nasal cavities.
• Do not combine the ointment with other external preparations, so as not to create compounds with an unpredictable effect (it is better to consult a doctor first).
• Do not combine internal and external medications with salicylic acid.
• If you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, inform your doctor before starting treatment with salicylic ointment.
• Do not apply ointment to large areas of skin.
• Try to avoid the use of salicylic ointment during pregnancy, hot water supply.

The effect of the medication on the ability to operate machinery has not been studied.

Features and benefits of keratolytics

A keratolytic is a softener for the skin of the feet based on chemical components. When applied to the skin, the product actively exfoliates keratinized particles of the epidermis, after which they can be easily removed with a nail file.

The main feature of the “liquid pedicure” is that the procedure does not require soaking your feet in water or using cutting tools. Keratolytics act effectively on dry skin, do not injure it and restore smoothness with minimal time.

Liquid pedicure helps to cope with problems such as:

• corns;
• dry calluses;
• cracks;
• rough keratinized skin;
• hyperkeratosis.

How to choose the right ointment against calluses?

In home treatment, the drug is selected taking into account the type of callosal defect:

1. Ointments with a moisturizing, softening, and keratolytic effect will help with corns and dry calluses. Therapeutic agents enhance desquamation - exfoliation of dead skin flakes, activate blood microcirculation, and soften damaged areas.
2. For shallow core calluses, keratolytic preparations are used to loosen the keratinized epidermis, and local anesthetics to eliminate pain.
3. For water calluses, burst blisters, and areas worn down to the flesh, use antibacterial anti-inflammatory drugs that have a drying and wound-healing effect. And also, reparants and regenerants for skin restoration.

For bloody calluses resulting from tissue compression, treatment with antiseptics is necessary. An infection easily penetrates into a burst blood callus, which can lead to suppuration, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and sepsis (blood poisoning).

Benefits of ointment treatment:

• accessibility (you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to purchase the product);
• therapeutic effect to accelerate the healing of the epidermis;
• wide choice of directional action;
• acceptable price category.

Important!
Medicines for external use do not have direct contact with the digestive organs, which significantly reduces the list of contraindications for their use. When self-treating with topical drugs, you must:

• follow the instructions for use;
• before use, perform an allergy test on the inner bend of the elbow joint;
• After opening the package, store the ointment in the refrigerator.

List of good ointments for calluses

Remedies for calluses are produced in the form of ointments, pastes and creams, packaged in tubes or jars. The amount of the drug varies from 25 to 100 g.

Super Antimozolin (cream)

The product is made on the basis of lactic acid and carbonic acid diamide (urea). Additionally contains eucalyptus extract. Has a moisturizing, softening and antibactericidal effect. Designed to remove dry calluses and corns.

Mode of application:

• squeeze 2-3 cm of cream onto a medical napkin;
• apply to the keratinized area of ​​skin;
• secure on top with wax paper or cling film;
• put on cotton socks;
• after 2-3 hours, cut off the softened epidermis, wash your feet with warm water.

Treatment requires care. If the cream gets on healthy skin, a burn may occur.

You can buy it at the pharmacy for 110 rubles.

Necallus cream

The composition is represented by sulfur and salicylic acid. Strengthens desquamation, has antifungal and antiseptic properties. Sold in the form of a cosmetic cream to eliminate corns and keratinized calluses on the feet.

Method of use:

• soften dry skin by steaming and dry;
• Apply a sterile napkin with a thick layer of cream to the callus;
• cover tightly with a plaster or bandage.
• stand for 24-36 hours.

After removing the bandage, gently scrub away dead skin.

Apart from individual allergies to salicylic acid, no contraindications have been identified.

Cosmetic cream costs about 60 to 180 rubles.

Salicylic ointment

One of the best ointments against skin problems. Based on the acid of the same name (2% or 10% concentration), with the addition of medical petroleum jelly. Has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. 10% ointment effectively softens and exfoliates dry formations, 2% remedy heals wet calluses. Apply 1-2 times a day under an occlusive (sealed) dressing.

Not recommended for liver and kidney diseases in the decompensation stage.

Pharmacy price for a 25 g tube is from 30 to 40 rubles.

Callus 911

The cosmetic cream contains urea, salicylic acid, tea tree oil. Active components accelerate the desquamation process while simultaneously disinfecting the affected area of ​​the body. Practiced to eliminate keratinized callous formations and corns. Apply 2 times a day, secure with an occlusive bandage on top.

Contraindicated in children. With caution in chronic pathologies of the liver and kidneys.

Produced in 100 ml tubes at a price of 85 rubles.

Bensalitin

A good keratolytic drug with an antiseptic effect. The active ingredients are salicylic acid and a monobasic carboxylic substance (benzoic acid). Recommended for the treatment of rough, old keratinization of the skin.

Mechanism of use:

• soften the affected area of ​​the body in hot water;
• remove keratinized epidermis with pumice;
• apply a thick layer of cream;
• cover with a plaster.

The course of therapy lasts 10 days, with daily dressings 2 times a day.

Do not use in the presence of open wound surfaces, scratches, abrasions. Contraindicated in patients with renal and hepatic decompensation.

The cost varies around 100 rubles.

Levomekol

The drug contains the antibacterial agent chloramphenicol and the immunostimulant methyluracil. It has anti-inflammatory, regenerating and antimicrobial effects. Effective for the rapid healing of wet calluses and the prevention of infection of wound surfaces under a burst callus. Apply pointwise, before use treat the painful area of ​​skin with a water-based antiseptic (Chlorhexidine 0.05% solution or Miramistin).

Do not use for the development of mycosis and psoriasis in the area of ​​calluses.

40 g of the drug costs 120 rubles.

Anti-callus paste “5 days”

The active ingredient is salicylic acid, the ointment base is made up of medical petroleum jelly and animal wax (lanolin). Accelerates desquamation, helps soften hardened growths.

The treatment procedure is carried out according to the following scheme:

• generously anoint the callus;
• secure with an occlusive bandage or several layers of adhesive tape;
• After 12 hours, make a foot bath and clean the exfoliated skin with pumice.

Contraindicated in severe chronic diseases of the kidneys and liver.

Pharmacy cost - within 100 rubles.

Vishnevsky ointment

They are produced in jars in the form of an ointment and in tubes under the name “Balsamic Liniment according to Vishnevsky”.

Contains:

• natural birch tar – a product of distillation of tree resin;
• antiseptic powder xeroform;
• castor seed oil (castor).

It has a bactericidal effect, relieves inflammation, and stimulates blood microcirculation in the damaged area. It is a universal remedy for softening dry growths, disinfecting and healing burst calluses. Apply a thick layer to a medical gauze napkin, cover it with polyethylene on top, and fix it with a dressing. The compress is kept for 12 hours.

Do not use if you are allergic to the components of the ointment.

The price of the drug is 45 rubles.

Zinc ointment

Made from zinc oxide. It has anti-inflammatory antiseptic properties and effectively dries weeping calluses. You can smear destructive areas of the epidermis several times a day.

Absolutely contraindicated in the presence of purulent processes in the area of ​​calluses. A relative contraindication is the perinatal period in women.

25 g of the product can be purchased for 40 rubles.

Heparin ointment

The composition includes the anticoagulant heparin and the local anesthetic benzocaine. It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, thins the blood. Recommended for the treatment of shallow core calluses.

Correct Application:

• steam rough skin;
• clean the exfoliated layer of the epidermis with pumice;
• apply the product to a sterile napkin;
• apply to the callus;
• secure with an occlusive bandage or tape.

Change dressings every 6-8 hours.

Do not use if there are wounds, scratches, ulcerative skin lesions, or if there is a blood clotting disorder.

The cost of a 25 g tube is 85 rubles.

Bepanten

Local reparative cream based on dexpanthenol. Quickly restores epidermal tissue, relieves inflammation and pain. Apply 2-4 times a day for chafing and open calluses. Approved for the treatment of calluses in children of any age.

Apart from individual intolerance to dexpanthenol, there are no contraindications.

Pharmacy cost of 100 ml of cream is 760 rubles.

Ichthyol ointment

The drug is made on the basis of shale oil (ichthammol) and medical petroleum jelly. The use of ointment eliminates inflammation, relieves pain on the damaged surface, regenerates skin tissue, and prevents infection. Recommended for wet and dry calluses. Use twice a day under an occlusive dressing.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to ichthammol.

25 g of ointment costs about 100 rubles.

Solcoseryl

Sold in the form of ointment and gel. The basis of the drug is hemoderivat - an extract prepared from the blood of calves. Accelerates regenerative processes, increases collagen production, heals damage. The gel is used in the initial stage of a burst callus to form a protective film. When the wound heals, use ointment. You can treat the skin 2-4 times a day.

Not recommended for allergic reactions.

Depending on the amount of product, the cost ranges from 500 to 800 rubles.

Tetracycline ointment

A local antibiotic has an antimicrobial effect. Practiced for calluses complicated by bacterial infection. It is recommended to smear the affected area and cover with a bactericidal plaster. Frequency of application – 2 times a day, for 1-2 weeks.

Do not use in the treatment of children, pregnant and lactating women, patients with chronic liver pathologies.

Pharmacy price – 90-100 rubles.

Cream-balm Mozolka

Cream based on tea tree essential oil, papaya and amaranth extracts. Effectively copes with small cracks and corns. Moisturizes and softens the skin. Recommended for the skin of the legs and arms, as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent. Apply 2-4 times a day.

Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to plant components.

Price – 145 rub.

Keratolytic creams

Therapeutic and cosmetic products designed to exfoliate dead particles of the epidermis and soften callous formations.

The list of effective creams includes:

• Doctor;
• Mozolin;
• Keratolan;
• Green planet.

You can purchase it in pharmacies and specialized cosmetics stores.