Body peeling salicylic acid

Salicylism, or salicylic acid toxicity, is characterized by rapid breathing, tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and central nervous system reactions. It has been reported with 20% salicylic acid applied to 50% of the body surface, and it has also been reported with use of 40 and 50% salicylic acid paste preparations [7]. The author has peeled more than 1,000 patients with the current 20 and 30% marketed ethanol formulations and has observed no cases of salicylism. 

Salicylism is characterized by rapid breathing, tinnitus, abdominal cramps, and neurological symptoms. It has been reported after application of 20% salicylic acid on extensive body areas (50%) or after application of 50% salicylic acid. We never observed this complication despite our large experience with salicylic acid peels. 

If too much surface area (face, arms and chest - 20% of the body s surface area) is exposed to several coats of salicylic acid (14% in ethanol) that is left on the skin (as in the classic Jessner peel) eight to twelve hours later the patient can develop severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness and tinnitus from salicylism. 

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