Treatment of salicylate sensitivity will depend on the nature of the symptoms. Corticosteroids are often used to treat skin reactions, and antihistamines and decongestants may be used for nasal symptoms. Bronchodilators are often prescribed to open closed airways.

Avoidance is the best technique for preventing symptoms related to salicylate sensitivity. This means not consuming or using foods or products that contain salicylate. Those with salicylate sensitivity should watch out for the following terms when selecting products:

• Aspirin
• Acetylsalicylic acid
• Artificial food colorings or flavorings
• Azo dyes
• Benzoates (preservatives)
• Benzyl salicylate
• Beta-hydroxy acid
• Choline salicylate
• Disalcid
• Ethyl salicylate
• Isoamyl salicylate
• Magnesium salicylate
• Menthol
• Methyl salicylate
• Mint
• Octylsalicylate
• Peppermint
• Phenylethyl salicylate
• Salicylic acid
• Salicylaldehyde
• Salicylamide
• Salsalate
• Sodium salicylate
• Spearmint

Although numerous foods contain salicylate, there are also many foods that have few if any salicylates in them. They include:

In addition to the sensitivity of some individuals to salicylates, aspirin and other salicylate-containing medications have been linked to incidences of Reye syndrome (a rare, life-threatening disease that causes damage to the brain and liver) in children. To reduce the risk of developing Reye syndrome, parents and other caregivers should avoid giving aspirin and any other medication derived from salicylic acid to a child or teenager, unless advised to do so by a physician.