Topical salicylic acid is used to help clear and prevent pimples and skin blemishes in people who have acne. Topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It treats other skin conditions, such as psoriasis by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily.
