Salicylate intoxication after use of topical salicylic acid ointment by a patient with psoriasis.

The authors describe a therapeutically well managed case of severe salicylate intoxication in a patient with psoriasis who treated himself with 40 percent salicylic ointment applied to approximately 41 percent of his body surface. Nineteen hours after the application of salicylic acid, his blood level of the agent was 6.04 mmol/liter. The patient underwent hemodialysis and was discharged after fourteen days in good general health.