Salicylic acid is used in the treatment of wart infections. The mechanism by which it treats wart infection is quite similar to its keratolytic action. It dehydrates the skin cells affected by warts when applied to it, thereby gradually shedding them off the body. Salicylic acid is keratolytic by lowering the pH of the skin, resulting in increased hydration of the keratin and swelling of the corneocytes. It also solubilizes the intercellular cement substance in the stratum corneum, facilitating desquamation.