Salicylic Acid 20% w/w

How does it work?

It works by softening keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps to loosen the skin cells to allow removal of warts.

Before you use the ointment

When you must not use it:

• If you have allergy or hypersensitivity to Salicylic Acid or any other ingredient in its preparation.
• If you are a diabetic.
• If your peripheral blood circulation is impaired.
• To treat warts on the face, moles, birthmarks, hairy warts or on genital/anal warts.
• On children aged less than 2 years 

Pregnant women

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using your medicine.  

Breast feeding mothers

should be used cautiously in nursing mothers.

Before you start use it

• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medication at the same time.
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any other drugs.
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or any other health problems.
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are or plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Consult your doctor before using this medication on children aged 2-12 years.
• Consult your doctor before using this medication on elderly.
• Follow your doctor’s instruction carefully. They may differ from the general instructions in the medication leaflet.
• Before using the ointment, moisten or soak the wart in warm water for about 5 minutes to help loosen and soften the skin. Dry thoroughly. Use an emery board or pumice stone to carefully remove the top dead layers of skin on the affected area (avoid sharing this emery board/pumis stone with others). This dead skin removal is to help the medication penetrate the skin more easily. Protect surrounding healthy skin (eg. with white soft paraffin or specially designed plaster).

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking/using or have recently taken/use any other medicines or preparations such as:  

• Any other medicated topical agents, e.g. benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, salicylate and hydroquinone.
• Abrasive soap and cleanser.
• Cosmetics or soap that dry the skin or are designed to peel/ exfoliate.
• Protein bound drugs.
• Alcohol containing preparations.

How to use the ointment.

How much to use 

Apply a thin layer of the ointment to cover the entire warts. Be careful to apply it only to the affected area and not the surrounding skin.

When to use it

• Treatment should start as early as possible after the start of an infection.
• Subsequently, it may then be possible to maintain improvement by less frequent application. 
• The treatment may be used once or twice daily (in the morning and at night) or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

How long to use it

• You need to apply the medication as instructed until the wart clears up, for up to 12 weeks or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If the wart persists after 12 weeks, consult your doctor.

If you forget to take it

• Apply it as soon as you remember. 
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the ointment.  
• Do not double the dose.

If your use too much

If you accidentally used too much of the ointment, consult your doctor immediately. 

While you are using it

Things you must do 

• Always wash your hands before and after using the ointment.
• Inform your doctor if you develop any allergic reactions.
• Seek medical advice immediately if your symptoms persist.

Things you must not do 

• Do not apply the Salicylic Acid ointment near your eyes, nose, mouth or open wound or area of broken, inflamed or normal skin around wart, large areas of skin, warts on the face, moles, birthmarks, hairy warts or on genital/anal warts.

• Do not use large amounts, or apply this medication more often. Do not use Salicylic Acid ointment over large skin areas for long period (more than 12 weeks) or more than as directed by your doctor.
• Do not share your medication with anyone, as wart can be contagious through skin contact.

Things to be careful of

• Be careful to apply it only to the affected area and not the surrounding skin.
• f irritation or sensitization develops, consult your doctor.
• If large areas of skin are treated, the systematic absorption of Salicylic Acid ointment will be enhanced and may lead to Salicylate toxicity.

Side Effects

Salicylic Acid ointment can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone gets them. Some possible effects are:

• Contact dermatitis or skin irritation; flushing, unusually warm skin, burning sensation, itching and stinging of skin. 
• Excessive drying and peeling of skin.
  

If any of the side effects gets serious/severe or persistent, or if you notice any side effect that is not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Prolonged use over a large skin area may cause salicylate toxicity. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms:

• Ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

 Storage

• Keep the tube tightly closed.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store below 30 °C.
• Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat, moisture and light.
• Do not keep expired medicine

Disposal 

Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that no longer required.