Zinc Salicylic Acid
Is It Right for You?
A complete guide to Zinc Salicylic Acid — what it treats, how it works, dosages, side effects, and when a clinician may prescribe it following an online consultation.
What Is Zinc Salicylic Acid?
Zinc and salicylic acid paste combines two skin ingredients: salicylic acid, which softens and removes thickened or scaly skin, and zinc, which soothes and protects. It is used for certain chronic skin conditions and as part of medicated bandages.
Traditionally known as Lassar's paste, it is used to treat areas of thickened, scaly skin, such as in psoriasis, and is also used in zinc paste bandages for conditions like chronic eczema and leg ulcers.
Zinc and salicylic acid preparations are generally supplied on prescription or pharmacy advice in the UK. A licensed clinician can review your skin through a telehealth consultation and prescribe or advise where appropriate.
What Conditions Is Zinc Salicylic Acid Used For?
Zinc and salicylic acid paste is used for:
softening and removing thickened, scaly skin in chronic plaque conditions.
soothing and protecting the skin, often as part of paste bandages.
used in medicated zinc paste bandages as part of dressing certain conditions.
helping to break down and remove areas of hard, scaly skin.
The salicylic acid in the paste can irritate normal skin and should be applied to the thickened or affected areas only. Avoid the face, broken skin, and large areas unless specifically directed.
How Does Zinc Salicylic Acid Work?
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic - it softens and loosens the outer layer of skin, helping to lift and remove scale and thickened skin, such as the plaques seen in psoriasis.
Zinc soothes and protects the skin, with mild astringent properties that help calm irritation and support recovery of inflamed or broken skin.
Combined in a paste, the two work together: the salicylic acid removes scale while the zinc protects and soothes, which is why the mixture is used for scaly conditions and within medicated bandages.
Dosages & Administration
The correct dose depends on the type and severity of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. Always follow your clinician's instructions. The table below is for general reference only.
Administration Tips
Apply the paste to the affected, thickened areas only, protecting the surrounding healthy skin, and follow the instructions for any bandage use.
Wash your hands after applying and seek advice if the skin becomes very sore, broken, or shows signs of infection.
Side Effects of Zinc Salicylic Acid
Side effects are usually local. Irritation from the salicylic acid is the most common concern.
- Skin irritation, redness, or stinging
- Dryness or peeling
- Mild burning sensation
- Sensitivity at the treated site
- Severe burning, blistering, or pain
- Signs of skin infection at the treated area
- Severe or widespread irritation
- Severe allergic reaction
- Signs of salicylate absorption with very large-area use (ringing in the ears, dizziness)
Using salicylic acid paste over large areas or broken skin can lead to too much salicylate being absorbed, which is risky, particularly in children. Use only on the areas directed.
Drug Interactions
Always disclose all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist before starting zinc salicylic acid.
Other potentially irritating products on the same area can increase dryness and irritation; introduce them carefully.
Using several salicylic acid products together increases the total amount applied and the risk of irritation or absorption.
Follow the specific instructions when the paste is used within a bandage to avoid the skin becoming too sore or moist.
Important Warnings
The salicylic acid can irritate normal skin, so apply the paste only to the thickened or affected areas and protect the skin around them.
Do not use over large areas or broken skin, especially in children, due to the risk of absorbing too much salicylate.
When used in medicated bandages for eczema or leg ulcers, follow the specific instructions carefully and have the skin reviewed as advised.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so the suitability and area of use can be considered.
Speak to a Clinician About Treatment
Getting advice no longer means sitting in a waiting room. Through The GP Service, you can consult with a licensed clinician in minutes — from home, on your lunch break, or wherever works for you. If treatment is clinically appropriate, your clinician can issue a prescription during the consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
The treatment you need, when you need it.
Zinc Salicylic Acid FAQs
These preparations are generally supplied on prescription or pharmacy advice. A licensed clinician can review your skin through a telehealth consultation and prescribe or advise where appropriate.
It is used for scaly, thickened skin conditions such as psoriasis, and in zinc paste bandages for chronic eczema and certain wounds, combining a scale-removing and a soothing ingredient.
The salicylic acid can irritate normal skin, so it is applied to the thickened or affected areas only, with the surrounding skin protected.
Generally no. The paste is intended for thickened skin on the body and should not be used on the face or delicate skin unless specifically directed.
No. Using it over large areas or broken skin can lead to too much salicylate being absorbed, which is a particular risk in children. Use only where directed.
The salicylic acid softens and removes scale, so some stinging, dryness, and peeling can occur. Seek advice if irritation is severe.