A component of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), derived from salicin and made synthetically; used externally as a keratolytic agent, antiseptic, and fungicide.
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sal·i·cyl·ic acid .sal-ə-.sil-ik- n a crystalline phenolic acid C7H6O3 that is the ortho form of hydroxybenzoic acid and is used esp. in making pharmaceuticals and dyes, as an antiseptic and disinfectant esp. in treating skin diseases, as a keratolytic agent for skin exfoliation, and in the form of salts and other derivatives as an analgesic and antipyretic and in the treatment of rheumatism see ASPIRIN
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a drug that causes the skin to peel and destroys bacteria and fungi. It is applied to the skin to treat ulcers, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, warts, and corns. Skin sensitivity reactions may occur after continued use.
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sal·i·cyl·ic ac·id (salґĭ-silґik) [USP] a substituted benzoic acid derivative, obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves, and also prepared synthetically; it is used as a topical keratolytic and caustic to treat a variety of skin disorders including acne, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, plantar warts, and corns; see also benzoic and salicylic acids ointment, under ointment.Medical dictionary. 2011.