Whitfield's ointment
Whitfield's Ointment
Whitfield's Ointment (pronounced: whit-fields oint-ment) is a topical medication primarily used in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin.
Etymology
The ointment is named after its inventor, Arthur Whitfield, a British dermatologist who first formulated the ointment in the early 20th century.
Composition
Whitfield's Ointment is a combination of two active ingredients: benzoic acid and salicylic acid. Benzoic acid acts as a fungistatic agent, inhibiting the growth of fungi, while salicylic acid helps the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that makes the cells clump together.
Usage
The ointment is applied topically, usually twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional. It is important to clean and dry the affected area before application. The medication should be used regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Related Terms
Side Effects
Some common side effects of Whitfield's Ointment may include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. If these effects persist or worsen, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions
Before using Whitfield's Ointment, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to salicylic acid, benzoic acid, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Whitfield's ointment
- Wikipedia's article - Whitfield's ointment
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski