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Salicylic acid is one of the popular ingredients which serves its best value while fighting acne effectively. However, salicylic acid shampoo at times goes beyond astringents and toners. Salicylic acid works best in shampoo since it breaks down all the dead skin cells.
Salicylic Acid Shampoo is very effective in treating conditions affecting psoriasis, scalp, and seborrheic dermatitis. Some of the other uses of this shampoo are yet to receive substantial evidence.
You should read this article till the end to know if Salicylic acid shampoo is effective in treating scaly, dry, and itchy scalp. You would also be aware of its side effects and potential benefits. It is suggested to consult your dermatologist before using this.
What are some of the benefits of Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
The salicylic acid shampoo is very beneficial on your scalp as well as skin for treating psoriasis and various other dry and scaly skin conditions. Both salicylic acid and aspirin or salicylates are from the same category of drugs. It is recommended that children who are younger than 2 years should refrain from using this medication.
With the help of salicylic acid, your skin would shed off dead skin cells from the topmost layer for enhancing the amount of moisture in your skin. It also dissolves the substances which help in making the cells clump together. The salicylic acid shampoo is quite effective.
This also softens and smoothens the topmost layer of the skin by decreasing dryness as well as scaling. To dissolve the dead skin cells, salicylic acid shampoo is primarily used. Since at times, there is an accumulation of dead skin which gives rise to thick patches in certain scalp and skin conditions.
The formation of thick patches can be stopped by increasing the moisture while using salicylic acid shampoo. Some of the benefits of salicylic acid shampoo are listed below:-
#1. Treating dandruff
One of the most common scalp conditions which people are stressed about is Dandruff since it causes itchiness and makes your skin flaky. The white flakes which originate from dandruff might start building up not only on hairs but also on shoulders.
That’s why people use salicylic acid shampoo since it helps in reducing dandruff from your hair. You will get rid of flakes, and the dry scalp will also be moisturized after using this shampoo. The shampoo can be used for seasonal dandruff and even regularly for the maintenance of moisture levels of your scalp.
#2. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is quite identical to dandruff, and the people dealing with it also experience a flaky and itchy scalp. The skin condition becomes inflammatory and is known for flaky skin, which is more oily than they appear.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be detected if you find oily patches on certain areas of your skin other than on your scalp, including your face and ears. Salicylic acid shampoo can effectively treat seborrheic dermatitis, whose effect is often seen on the scalp. It would be best if you used this shampoo with proper precaution since it might be harmful to other parts of your body.
What problems cannot be treated with Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
It is not recommendable to use salicylic acid shampoo for certain conditions such as:-
#1 Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common type of inflammatory condition which negatively affects different areas of your body. This leaves red silver, thick well as dry skin patches on the skin, and the increase in turnover of skin cells is responsible for it.
If the production of new cells in your skin is taking place at a faster rate than usual, it lessens the possibility of breaking down dead skin cells in your body, and as a result, it starts building upon the surface of the skin.
The shampoos which are prescribed by your dermatologist should be used for treating scalp psoriasis. Salicylic acid is one common way to break down excessive cells of the skin for scalp relief.
#2 Hair loss
Salicylic acid is not effective for treating hair loss. The medication only helps in reducing the urge to pick as well as a scratch at an itchy scalp which might lessen the chances of hair loss in the future.
What are some of the side effects of using salicylic acid shampoo?
Most of the users have safe experiences after using salicylic acid, but it might irritate some people’s skin. Before you think about salicylic acid, you should speak about your allergic reaction to your doctor.
This product might constitute inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Some of the common side effects are as follows:-
- Experiencing burning sensation
- Increased dryness in skin
- Redness
- Peeling skin
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling
- Red rashes
Although allergic reactions after using salicylic acid are quite rare, if you experience it, you should immediately take the help of your doctor to avoid any serious consequences.
The effect of salicylic acid on unborn babies is still yet to be known, so pregnant women should use it after taking the proper guidance from their doctor. Your doctor might suggest you not use salicylic acid shampoo if you are suffering from kidney or liver disease.
You should communicate about your medical history to your doctor, especially problems related to the kidney and liver. You should also let your doctor know if your skin is previously scraper, irritated, and cut.
Even though it’s not proven, children are still at higher risk for experiencing side effects after using salicylic acid shampoo. This medication is identical to aspirin; that’s why teenagers and children who are below 18 years of age should refrain from using it.
They might develop viral infections such as chickenpox, flu, and other severe conditions. This product should only be used in pregnancy if it’s highly urgent and only after consulting your doctor.
How to Properly Use Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
Salicylic acid shampoo works effectively only when it is used properly. Here are some of the steps you can follow to apply it properly:-
- Wet your hair as well as scalp with lukewarm water properly
- Put a little amount of the shampoo in your scalp
- Massage your scalp after applying shampoo thoroughly
- It is recommended to avoid scrub or rubbing the shampoo via the ends
- Left the shampoo on your scalp for 5 minutes
- Make sure to rinse it thoroughly
- Use conditioners from the mid to end section of your hairs to replenish the moisture.
Salicylic acid shampoo should be used every week. You might be recommended to use shampoo by your dermatologist until and unless your condition enhances. Even after the condition of your scalp improves, you can use the salicylic acid shampoo once or twice.
Shampoo, which constitutes salicylic acid, is easily available in your nearest drug stores of varying strengths. It is suggested to start using this shampoo with the smallest strengths and then build up to take stronger medication. Talk to your dermatologist, and then opt for your medication. Keeping your earrings clean is an important task.
What happens if someone overdose on this medication?
This medicine can harm you if swallowed. After overdosing, if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, you should immediately call your doctor right away. You might also experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and problems in hearing.
Some of the noteworthy things to be kept in mind are as follows:-
#1. Take the medication properly
Always follow the instructions given by your doctor while taking this medication to avoid any harm. You should refrain from getting on the medication on metal, clothing, plastic, wood, and other different surfaces since it can cause harm.
#2. Missed Dose
After missing your dose, you should again use it as soon as you remember about it. You can skip the dose you have missed if it is nearer to your next dose. Avoid overdosing on it since you should take the next dose at the regular destined time.
#3. Storage
You should store at your room temperature ranging between 68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C. Make sure to keep it safe from exposure to heat and light. You are not required to freeze it. You should keep all the medicines out from the reach of your children and pets.
#4. Disposal
It is recommended to avoid flushing the medications down in your toilet or even pouring them into your drain, for that matter, until and unless you are suggested to do so. After the expiration of using the product, you should discard the product properly. You can also consult the local waste disposal or your pharmacist regarding how to safely discard the product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can salicylic acid be used every day?
A: There is no harm in using salicylic acid every day. However, your skin might get irritated because of it sometimes. That’s why at times, several skin experts, as well as a dermatologist, recommended using it in limit. You can start to apply it thrice a week, and if you don’t feel any allergic reaction, you can increase your dosage.
Q2. How quickly does salicylic start to work?
A: If you are using salicylic acid or any other kind of acne treatment, it might take 5-8 weeks to know how your body reacts to it. After using this, individuals who do not see any improvement in their skin should consult their dermatologist for further suggestions to use any other alternative treatment options.
Q3. Does using a moisturizer after using salicylic acid cause harm?
A: The moisturizer would penetrate and dislodge the sebum present in your pores so that it is no longer present in your skin, resulting in a lower chance of experiencing acne breakout. After combining moisturizer with salicylic acid, you exfoliate the skin chemically while also providing it with hydration which is not required that much.
Q4. What happens after inhaling salicylic acid?
A: After inhaling salicylic acid, your central nervous system might get disturbed. You might experience coma, convulsions as well as skin eruptions. It can also irritate your mucus membrane as well as the upper respiratory tract and might harm your reproductive organs.
Q5. Is it suggested to use salicylic acid to remove dark spots?
A: Salicylic acid is a popular exfoliating agent that helps remove the bacteria that cause acne and dark spots accompanied by dead skin cells. You can also use a face cleaner of salicylic acid for the best and effective results.
Conclusion
Salicylic acid can be used to treat a wide range of things, from acne to dandruff. This ingredient is commonly found in conditioners, shampoos, and other hair products. It is one of the essential anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss treatments that people widely use.
Salicylic acid shampoo can perform a wide range of functions on your hair follicles as well as skin. It also limits the buildup of sebum in your skin by lowering the risk of acne, which develops on your face and scalp. It also lessens the growth of dandruff.
After using salicylic acid shampoo, your scalp would be devoid of dead and flaky skin. It is a popular medicinal ingredient used to treat various issues ranging from warts and calluses to ringworm, acne, and other kinds of skin complications.
It is typically found in several foods. Its origin is from the myrtle, white willow bark of Salix alba. It is safe to use since it properly strips away your epidermis, also called the external lost layer of your skin. It also effectively treats fungal infections and pimples, which develop over time.
The unique properties of Salicylic acid are what make it most effective and popular for preventing dandruff and cleansing your skin. Therefore it’s very beneficial if you use it properly after consulting your dermatologist.
