What should you do if you are allergic to salicylic acid?
Check with your doctor right away if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, tightness in the throat, or feeling faint while using these products. Do not use an OTC acne product again if you have developed a serious allergic reaction from it.
What does a reaction to salicylic acid look like?
Skin reactions such as peeling/burning/dry/reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care approaches:
- Avoid the irritant or allergen.
- Apply an anti-itch cream or ointment.
- Take an anti-itch drug.
- Apply cool, wet compresses.
- Protect your skin.
- Soak in a soothing cool bath.
- Protect your hands.
Why is my skin irritated after using salicylic acid?
“When you apply a higher dosage than skin is used to, salicylic acid disrupts your skin’s barrier, creating microscopic cracks that cause skin to lose moisture and become irritated and inflamed — hence the red, itchy, flakiness that’s so often associated with acne treatments,” Dr. Zeichner adds.
What can I use if I’m allergic to salicylic acid?
Salicylic Acid
Engelman recommends benzoyl peroxide to target acne control instead if salicylic acid irritates you. Arithmetic Acne Control Complex ($30, arithmeticproducts.com) provides a low dose of benzoyl so it’s perfect for sensitive skin.
Are a lot of people allergic to salicylic acid?
Though it’s fairly uncommon, an allergy to salicylic acid closely mimics the effects of swiping on a product with too high a dose of the acid for your skin.
How do I know if I am allergic to salicylates?
Salicylate Allergy Symptoms
Nasal congestion. Changes in skin color. Itching, skin rash, or hives. Swelling of the hands, feet, and face.
What happens if you use salicylic acid on sensitive skin?
“The primary negative side effect of salicylic acid is its ability to irritate and dry skin in those who are very sensitive or those who overuse it,” says Dr. Nazarian.
Why am I allergic to salicylic acid?
Salicylate sensitivity is thought to be caused by an overproduction of leukotrienes — inflammatory mediators that have been linked to a variety of conditions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, rheumatoid arthritis, and interstitial lung diseases ( 3 ).
How do you stop salicylic acid irritation?
Side effects of salicylic acid include burning, redness and general skin irritation. To help reduce the risk of side effects, start by applying a salicylic acid treatment for a just a few days a week. Salicylic acid can also cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun so use a non-oily sunscreen during the day.
Salicylate Allergy Symptoms
- Asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing and trouble breathing.
- Headaches.
- Nasal congestion.
- Changes in skin color.
- Itching, skin rash, or hives.
- Swelling of the hands, feet, and face.
- Stomach pain or upset.
- Eczema.
Can you be allergic to salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. These reactions may occur just a few minutes after you apply the medicine, or within a day or longer afterward.Those who are allergic to salicylates must avoid aspirin, white willow bark, methyl salicylate, and any medications that contain salicylic acid.
- Blueberries.
- Apples.
- Avocados.
- Mushrooms.
- Cauliflower.
- Coffee.
- Pine nuts.
How does skin react to salicylic acid?
Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include : skin tingling or stinging.Incidence not known
- Difficult breathing.
- dryness and peeling of skin.
- hives or itching.
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.
- tightness in the throat.
- unusually warm skin.
What does an allergic reaction to salicylic acid look like?
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) acne products may cause rare and life-threatening allergic reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, tightness in the throat, or feeling faint while using these products.
Do salicylic acid burns go away?
It will heal it just will take a little longer, but should not be permanent. Keep the area moisturized and just let the skin slough off on its own, and avoid prematurely removing the skin by picking at it.
How long does salicylic acid redness last?
There is little to no downtime following a salicylic acid peel. Skin erythema (redness) with flaking and dryness usually resolve within two to three days.
How do you know if the salicylic acid is working?
Salicylic acid penetrates your skin and works to dissolve the dead skin cells clogging your pores. It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect. Check with your dermatologist if you aren’t seeing results after 6 weeks .