Salicylic Acid In Pregnancy: Safety Tips And Side Effects

It should only be used when prescribed by a medical professional.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mona Hardas, MD Dr. Mona Hardas Dr. Mona HardasMD facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyExperience: 20 years
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Salicylic Acid In Pregnancy Safety, Side Effects And Alternatives

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Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that peels and sheds the skin’s outer layer. It is used topically to treat skin conditions, such as acne, dandruff, seborrhea, chronic atopic dermatitis, lichen simplex, ichthyosis, psoriasis, and removes corns, calluses, and warts(1) (2).

Read about salicylic acid during pregnancy, its side effects, and its alternatives. Remember not all skincare treatments may be safe for the baby.

What Are The Skin Issues That Might Occur During Pregnancy?

Several alterations occur in the sex hormones, immune system, and cardiovascular system during pregnancy, leading to certain changes to the skin. The following are the commonly observed skin changes during pregnancy (3).

  • Acne
  • Pigmentation (melasma or chloasma)
  • Stretch marks
  • Spider veins
  • Hyperpigmentation or dark spots on breasts, nipples, or inner thighs
  • Linea nigra
  • Changes in nail and hair growth

Is Salicylic Acid Safe To Use In Pregnancy?

According to the US Food and Drug Association (FDA), oral acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is contraindicated in pregnancy, except when prescribed for specific indications by the treating physician (4).

Aspirin (a form of salicylate) used at high doses (325 mg or higher) for pain relief may interfere with the baby’s growth and development. However, low doses (less than 81 mg/day) cause no adverse effects to the mother or baby when prescribed by the doctor.

When topically applied on the skin, the amount of salicylic acid absorbed into the body is less than that of orally consumed aspirin and, thus, unlikely to affect the baby. However, consult your doctor before using any salicylic acid medicines (5).

Does Salicylic Acid Have Side Effects?

According to the FDA, salicylic acid is a class D drug, which means there is positive evidence of human fetal risk. However, the doctor might prescribe it if the benefits outweigh the risks (4).

If you notice the following side effects, contact your doctor (2) (6):

  • Persistent or aggravated stinging or burning in the area of application
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Headache
  • Fast or difficult breathing
  • Ringing or buzzing in ears
  • Hearing loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Changes in the skin color
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Throat tightness
  • Fainting
  • Swelling of eyes, face, lips, or tongue

What Are The Alternatives To Salicylic Acid?

Data regarding the safety of medicines for the treatment of acne during pregnancy is scarce. However, most experts recommend the topical application of the following drugs to treat acne in pregnancy (7).

  • Benzoyl peroxide: It is available as creams, gels, and lotions at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. Only 5% of the amount applied to the skin is absorbed into the body (5) (8).
  • Azelaic acid: It is a natural acid produced by a yeast that lives on the skin and is usually available at a concentration of 20% (9).
  • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs are a group of compounds composed of glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid (10).

For more severe acne, topical antibiotics or oral erythromycin may be prescribed. In some cases, penicillin or cephalosporins may also be prescribed. Light and laser therapy for acne is also safe in pregnancy.

What Are The Natural Alternatives To Salicylic Acid During Pregnancy?

It is advised to avoid using OTC medicines containing salicylic acid during pregnancy. You may follow these guidelines instead for healthy skin (11):

  • Use gentle soaps or cleansers to wash your face twice a day.
  • Avoid rubbing, picking, or squeezing your acne as it might aggravate it and cause scarring.
  • Consume vitamin A-rich foods to reduce sebum production.
  • Use a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen lotion to prevent sunburn.
  • Wash oily hair daily and keep it away from the face.
  • Eat a balanced and nutritious diet and avoid eating processed and high-sugar foods.
  • Use oil-free products for makeup.
  • Remove makeup before going to bed.
  • Ensure a good sleep routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What category is salicylic acid in pregnancy?

Salicylic acid belongs to pregnancy category C (12). And it is considered safe during pregnancy. In case of doubts, it is better to consult the doctor.

2. When can I resume using salicylic acid?

Use of salicylic acid may be resumed after childbirth. Adequate information on the topical use of salicylic acid during breastfeeding is not available. It is unlikely to be absorbed or excreted in breastmilk in amounts that may harm the baby. Hence, it is considered safe to use during breastfeeding (13). However, limiting usage of products containing high percentages of salicylic acid is suggested if you are breastfeeding.

Contact a healthcare provider if you are pregnant and suffering from sudden flare-ups. The doctor will help you with pregnancy-safe ointments or medicines to manage your skin condition. For some women, acne improves after childbirth. However, if you continue to have pimples after delivery, ask your dermatologist for breastfeeding-safe medicines.

Key Pointers

  • Using topical ointments with salicylic acid or consuming lower concentrations after consulting a doctor is considered safe.
  • A high intake of salicylic acid during pregnancy poses a substantial risk to the developing fetus.
  • If you experience headache, dizziness, or severe stomach pain, contact your doctor.
  • Benzoyl peroxide or AHAs can be used as a substitute for salicylic acid.

References

  1. Salicylic acid.
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/salicylic-acid
  2. Salicylic acid topical.
    https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d01307a1
  3. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
  4. Ronald A. Black; (2003); Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy.
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/0615/p2517.html
  5. Topical Acne Treatments.
    https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/topical-acne-treatments-pregnancy/
  6. Salicylic Acid Topical.
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html
  7. Acne in pregnancy.
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-in-pregnancy
  8. Benzoyl peroxide.
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/benzoyl-peroxide
  9. Azelaic acid.
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/azelaic-acid
  10. Alpha hydroxy acid facial treatments.
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/alpha-hydroxy-acid-facial-treatments
  11. Pregnancy Acne.
    https://7dmc.ae/obstetrics-and-gynecology/pregnancy-acne/
  12. SALICYLIC ACID.
    https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=129ccc6e-4eb2-495d-8583-427cb223b783
  13. Salicylic acid.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500675/#
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Dr. Mona Hardas
Dr. Mona HardasMD
Dr. Mona Hardas is a practicing Ob/Gyn from Flint, Michigan, with over 20 years of experience in private practice. She is also actively involved in teaching medical students and residents as an associate clinical professor from MSU College of Human Medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Mona Hardas
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