Evidence supporting the use of: Salicylic Acid
For the health condition: Athlete's Foot

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent, meaning it helps to soften and remove the outer layer of the skin. In the context of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), salicylic acid has been used to help remove the thickened, scaly skin that often accompanies the infection. This can, in theory, aid in the penetration of topical antifungal medications by reducing the barrier posed by hyperkeratotic tissue. However, salicylic acid itself does not possess antifungal properties and is not effective as a sole therapy for athlete’s foot. Its use is considered adjuvant—supportive—rather than curative. There is limited direct clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for athlete’s foot; most of the data comes from older studies or from its established use in treating other hyperkeratotic skin conditions like psoriasis or warts. Modern clinical guidelines generally do not recommend salicylic acid as a primary treatment for tinea pedis, instead emphasizing the use of topical or oral antifungals. Nonetheless, some combination products (e.g., Whitfield’s ointment, which contains salicylic acid and benzoic acid) have been used historically and are still available in some regions. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale for using salicylic acid as a supportive agent, the direct evidence for its efficacy in treating athlete’s foot is weak, and it is not considered a first-line therapy.

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Other health conditions supported by Salicylic Acid

Acne
Age Spots
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Dandruff
Dermatitis

Products containing Salicylic Acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.