benzoic acid and salicylic acid (topical) Health Article

Generic name(s):

benzoic acid and salicylic acid (topical)

Brand name(s):

benzoic acid-salicylic acid topical, Bensal HP, Whitfields Ointment

What is the most important information I should know about benzoic acid and salicylic acid?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol.

This medication is for use only on the skin. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

You may feel warmth or a burning sensation that could last as long as 3 to 5 minutes after you apply this medication. Stop using the medication and call your doctor if the burning sensation lasts for longer than 10 days.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve within 7 days of using benzoic acid and salicylic acid topical.

What is benzoic acid and salicylic acid?

Benzoic acid helps prevent infection caused by bacteria. Salicylic acid helps the body shed rough or dead skin cells.

Benzoic acid and salicylic acid treats skin irritation and inflammation caused by burns, insect bites, fungal infections, and eczema.

Benzoic acid and salicylic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzoic acid and salicylic acid?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol.

It is not known whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benzoic acid and salicylic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use benzoic acid and salicylic acid?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

This medication is for use only on the skin. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Use saline or water to gently rinse the skin area you will be treating. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel or cotton gauze.

Apply a generous amount of the medicine to the skin area to be treated. Spread the medicine evenly to form a 1/8-inch thick layer.

You may apply this medication with your fingers directly to the skin or apply it using a cotton swab. You may also apply the medicine to a cotton gauze and then place the gauze over the skin.

Keep the treated skin area clean and expose it to air whenever possible. Do not wear a bandage over the treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Use this medication twice each day unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Do not allow the tip of the medicine tube to touch the surface of the skin you are treating.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve within 7 days of using benzoic acid and salicylic acid topical.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe burning or skin irritation.

What should I avoid while using benzoic acid and salicylic acid?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, or nose. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.

Do not use other medication skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using wet packs or wet-to-dry packs over the skin areas you are treating with this medication.