Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Keratolytic — Warts / Psoriasis / Hyperkeratosis

Salicylic Acid

Brand names: Duofilm (with lactic acid), Occlusal, Verrugon, Capasal (shampoo with coal tar)

Salicylic acid is a topical keratolytic used for hyperkeratotic skin conditions including warts, corns, calluses, psoriasis, acne and seborrhoeic scaling.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It softens and loosens the stratum corneum by reducing keratinocyte cohesion and dissolving intercellular cement, promoting desquamation of thickened or scaly skin.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid application to large surface areas, broken skin or mucous membranes because extensive absorption can cause salicylate toxicity, particularly in children.
  • Do not use on facial or anogenital warts, or on lesions in patients with peripheral arterial disease, diabetes or neuropathy without specialist advice.
  • Protect surrounding healthy skin, as preparations can cause irritation and chemical burns.

Monitoring

Routine monitoring is not required for localised use; review treatment response and local irritation at follow-up.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply only to the affected area and protect surrounding skin.
  • File down softened hard skin gently between applications.
  • Stop and seek advice if marked redness, soreness or bleeding occurs.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical salicylic acid is an established first-line keratolytic for cutaneous warts, supported by long-standing clinical use and systematic reviews.

Reference: NICE CKS Warts and Verrucae; Gibbs et al. Cochrane (2012) Treatments for cutaneous warts; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways