The number of beauty and health products continues to grow at an alarming rate and where once any scientific terms were carefully hidden in the fine print on most of these products, they have now become the very language of healthy living products. That does not mean or even imply, however, that scientific terms used in product names make their use readily apparent or the situations in which one would not want to consider their use. One example of this is salicylic acid cream, which certainly does not sound like something that one would want to rub all over their face and perhaps other parts of their body despite the fact that topical application to one’s skin is the intended use of salicylic acid cream.

Salicylic acid cream is used primarily to treat unsightly acne but it can also be used for other skin conditions but only under the advice a qualified medical practitioner. As previously mentioned, salicylic is topically applied, meaning that it is applied directly to the areas affected by acne or other skin conditions. Whether or not it is possible or even advisable to use salicylic acid cream as a form of acne prevention is a question one will need to ask their physician.

The use of salicylic acid cream is not without side effects, some of them fairly pronounced. One potential side effect that is simply a part of the process of acne removal via salicylic acid cream is the swelling of skin which then softens and peels wherever the salicylic acid cream was applied. This very visceral reaction may be problematic because there are individuals that show a pronounced allergic reaction to salicylic acid cream and the swelling due to an allergic reaction may be difficult to discern from the normal swelling process.

Individuals with allergies to salicylic acid cream should immediately stop using the salicylic acid cream until they are able to consult with their physician as to a proper course of action. There are also other groups of individuals that should not use salicylic acid cream such as those women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, trying to become pregnant are or currently nursing.

Anyone taking prescription medication should also consult with a physician before using salicylic acid cream to ensure that the combination of and interaction between certain chemicals will not cause a serious reaction. Individuals who has liver or kidney problems, including those who have had a kidney and/or liver transplant should also forgo salicylic acid cream as should individuals with poor blood circulation, a skin infection or skin irritations.

While anticoagulants are likely to have side effects due to their interaction with salicylic acid cream, there are also numerous other medications that may cause potentially serious problems due to interaction. Note that not all of these medications require prescriptions, some are available over the counter.