ABSTRACT
Salicylic acid is a ß-hydroxy acid obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves, and also prepared synthetically. It has bacteriostatic, fungicidal, and keratolytic actions. Because of its keratolytic and exfoliating effects, salicylic acid is a key additive in topical treatments for acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris and warts. This chapter provides monographs of salicylic acid which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
