While there’s no cure for eczema, treatments and skin care products aim to reduce its symptoms, such as inflammation, itchiness, and blistering. Many popular over-the-counter face washes, shampoos, and soaps contain salicylic acid. But is this ingredient safe and effective for eczema?

This article will explore the use of salicylic acid for certain types of eczema — specifically seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis — and discuss its potential benefits, possible risks, and best practices for use.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is derived from the bark of willow trees and some other plants. Nowadays, it’s produced in labs and widely included in various skin care products, such as shampoos, facial cleansers, soaps, creams, and lotions.

Uses for Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid can help with some skin conditions because it softens and removes dry, scaly skin. This shedding action helps unclog pores, improve skin texture, and make your skin look smoother.

Because of these beneficial characteristics, salicylic acid is used to treat flaking and thickening associated with scaly skin diseases. Some of these conditions include:

• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Warts
• Some types of eczema, including seborrheic dermatitis

Forms of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid can be found in many formulations. The type you choose depends on your skin condition and the area of the body you’re treating.

For example, people with psoriasis may want a lotion or an ointment containing salicylic acid at a concentration of 2 percent to 3 percent. On the other hand, treating viral warts may call for a paint or gel with a very high concentration, up to 27 percent. It’s important to talk to a dermatologist (skin specialist) or pharmacist to find the product that’s right for you. Using more salicylic acid than the skin condition requires could be harmful.

Safe Usage of Salicylic Acid

When using a product containing salicylic acid, make sure to follow the instructions on the label and as advised by your healthcare provider. Don’t use the product more often or longer than recommended.

Avoid getting salicylic acid on sensitive areas, such as the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals. If you need to treat nearby skin, you can spread petroleum jelly on the vulnerable areas you wish to protect. Also, try to keep salicylic acid from touching open wounds or infected, inflamed, or discolored skin.

Can Salicylic Acid Be Used To Treat Eczema?

Products containing salicylic acid may be recommended for some types of eczema, but not others. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, your dermatologist may have recommended a product with salicylic acid in it. However, if you have atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, or another type, your doctor will likely recommend treatments with other ingredients.

Salicylic Acid and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that shows up on parts of the body with many sebaceous (oil) glands, like the scalp, face, chest, and back. Skin may develop dandruff and scaly, greasy patches that may be red or light in color, depending on your skin tone. This form of eczema is often linked to an overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia.

Topical products and shampoos with salicylic acid may be recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, combined with antifungal or anti-inflammatory ingredients. They may help manage symptoms on the scalp, face, and other affected areas.

• Shampoos with salicylic acid can lift and remove scales, which can help reduce flakiness and itchiness on the scalp.
• Facial products containing salicylic acid can gently exfoliate the skin, which may reduce the discoloration and greasy appearance that often accompany seborrheic dermatitis.

It’s important to note that salicylic acid may not be suitable for everyone with seborrheic dermatitis. As with any skin care ingredient, individual responses can vary, and some people may experience sensitivity or side effects. If you’re living with seborrheic dermatitis, speak with your doctor before starting salicylic acid or any new skin care product to make sure it’s safe for you.

Salicylic Acid and Atopic Dermatitis

Salicylic acid is not typically recommended to treat atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis involves a damaged skin barrier and increased dryness, which makes the skin more likely to be irritated and inflamed. Introducing salicylic acid could potentially worsen your eczema. The exfoliating properties might make irritated and sensitive skin feel worse.

Dermatologists and healthcare providers often advise milder, more hydrating skin care options to support the skin barrier and reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Salicylic Acid and Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by exposure to a substance, such as perfume, jewelry, or detergent. Salicylic acid’s role in contact dermatitis is less well studied compared with seborrheic and atopic dermatitis. Because contact dermatitis can result from exposure to irritants or allergens, using products with salicylic acid could potentially trigger your contact dermatitis.

If you have contact dermatitis, identifying and avoiding your specific triggers is crucial. Test a new skin care product on a small area of skin to help you determine your sensitivity to salicylic acid before you incorporate these products into your skin care routine.

Alternatives to Salicylic Acid for Eczema

Given the potential risks associated with salicylic acid for individuals with atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, it’s important to explore other treatments and skin care ingredients that may be better for eczema-prone skin. Your plan may include a combination of prescription medications and over-the-counter moisturizers, creams, and ointments. To avoid making your eczema worse, always speak with your healthcare provider before trying a new ingredient or product.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Have you used salicylic acid for your eczema? How did this ingredient work for your particular type of eczema? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.