Salicylic acid has emerged as a popular ingredient in skin care products and shampoos. Salicylic acid offers several potential benefits for skin health, but can it treat seborrheic dermatitis?

There’s no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are several ways to ease symptoms like dandruff and scaly, itchy skin. Read on for more information about using salicylic acid for seborrheic dermatitis and whether it’s a safe and helpful treatment option.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a substance in willow bark and wintergreen leaves that also can be made in a lab. Salicylic acid has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it can be used on the skin to help fight fungal infections and manage inflammation.

Salicylic acid is best known for being a keratolytic — a type of medicine that affects a protein in skin cells called keratin. Weakening keratin helps soften skin plaques and loosen dry, scaly skin, making it easier to exfoliate and remove thick flakes of dead skin.

MySebDermTeam Members Discuss Salicylic Acid

Because of its exfoliant properties, salicylic acid can help treat several skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. MySebDermTeam members have discussed how salicylic acid has helped them treat their symptoms.

“I’m trying something new and loving it. In the evening, I’m washing my face with salicylic cleanser,” one member said. “In four days, I’ve seen a remarkable difference.”

Salicylic acid’s effects can be especially helpful when dealing with flaky skin and dandruff. One MySebDermTeam member reported that salicylic acid helped get rid of their dandruff quickly. “I noticed that my problem areas still felt dry and crusty, but the flakes came out in bigger chunks that were easier to brush out, rather than in little flakes,” they said.

Salicylic acid is usually safe for treating seborrheic dermatitis. However, some people experience allergic reactions to this ingredient, and using it at too high of a concentration can be dangerous. Talk with your dermatology provider before trying any new treatments for your seborrheic dermatitis. They can help figure out what might work best for your skin.

Products With Salicylic Acid

A variety of topical (applied to the skin) products containing salicylic acid are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. OTC products can be found in stores or online. Prescription products must be ordered by a health care provider and can be obtained at most pharmacies.

Over-the-Counter Offerings

OTC products containing salicylic acid include lotions, soaps, and medicated pads. Because seborrheic dermatitis mostly affects the face and scalp, medicated shampoos and facial cleansers containing salicylic acid are also used to treat the condition.

Many hair care brands offer salicylic acid formulations, such as shampoos like Neutrogena T/Sal and Selsun Blue. Face washes that contain salicylic acid are sold at all price levels and include products from popular skin care brands like Neutrogena and CeraVe, as well as store brands.

Products with salicylic acid often also contain other ingredients that may be useful for treating seborrheic dermatitis, such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and coal tar.

Prescription Products

Prescription products that contain higher concentrations of salicylic acid can also be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. The dose depends on the product’s formulation and concentration and may differ for each person. Follow your health care provider’s instructions or the instructions on the prescription label.

If you’re wondering if higher-strength salicylic acid products may help your seborrheic dermatitis, speak with your dermatologist. Although high-potency products are available online, using them without a health care professional’s supervision puts you at risk of irritation and even chemical burns.

Salicylic Acid Precautions

The following precautions can help you safely use salicylic acid:

• Apply a barrier of petroleum jelly around the treated area to avoid getting salicylic acid on areas of the body not affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
• Skip using salicylic acid on skin that’s irritated, infected, or inflamed.
• Be careful to avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get shampoo or face wash in those areas, rinse with cool water for 15 minutes.
• Wash your hands after applying a product that contains salicylic acid.

Before you try using salicylic acid, be sure to tell your health care provider if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or allergies or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Potential Side Effects of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid can cause mild skin irritation, discoloration, and dryness. These side effects should go away over time. Salicylic acid also makes skin more sensitive to the sun. Stay out of sunlight or use proper sun protection when using any skin care products with salicylic acid.

Using lower concentrations of salicylic acid or alternating between salicylic acid and regular products can provide relief. “Be careful not to overdo the salicylic on your face, and switch to Vaseline if you experience some burning,” one MySebDermTeam member advised.

Another said they use their shampoo just “every other wash to maybe decrease the dryness.”

Some people experience allergic reactions to salicylic acid. These reactions can include rashes, itching, and hives, as well as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience these reactions. Mild discoloration, skin irritation, or dryness may not require medical attention, but tell your health care provider if these symptoms become bothersome.

If you’re interested in using salicylic acid as part of your seborrheic dermatitis treatment regimen, speak with your dermatologist or health care provider. When applied carefully, salicylic acid can be used safely as part of your treatment plan.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 14,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Has salicylic acid helped treat your seborrheic dermatitis? Which salicylic acid products have you tried? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.