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Therapeutic action
- Fungistatic and keratolytic agent
Indications
- Dermatophyte infection of the scalp (tinea capitis), in combination with a systemic antifungal
- Dermatophyte infection of the glabrous skin and skin folds:
- alone, if lesions are localised, non-extensive
- in combination with a systemic antifungal, if the lesions are extensive
Forms and strengths
- Benzoic acid 6% + salicylic acid 3% ointment, tube or jar
Dosage
- Child and adult: one application 2 times daily, in a thin layer, to clean and dry skin
Duration
- 3 to 6 weeks, depending on clinical response
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not apply to exudative lesions, mucous membranes or eyes.
- May cause: skin irritation, local benign inflammation.
- In case of secondary bacterial infection, start appropriate local or systemic treatment before applying Whitfield’s ointment.
- In case of contact with eyes or mucous membranes, flush immediately with plenty of water.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
- Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Remarks
- Whitfield’s ointment is not included in the WHO list of essential medicines.
Storage
– Below 25 °C
Once the ointment has been exposed to a high temperature, the active ingredients are no longer evenly distributed: the ointment must be homogenized before using.