Hovid Whitfieids Ointment

Hovid Whitfield’s Ointment is a topical compound ointment containing benzoic acid and salicylic acid, traditionally known as Whitfield’s Ointment. Benzoic acid provides antifungal action while salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic agent, softening and loosening thickened, scaly skin so that the antifungal component can penetrate more effectively into the affected skin layers.

This ointment is commonly used to treat superficial fungal skin infections such as ringworm (tinea), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and other scaly, itchy fungal skin conditions. It is available over the counter in Malaysia without a doctor’s prescription, making it an accessible option for mild fungal skin infections, though a doctor should be consulted if the infection is widespread, involves the scalp or nails, or does not improve with regular use.

Benzoic acid exerts a fungistatic (and at higher concentrations, fungicidal) effect on dermatophyte fungi responsible for common skin infections, while salicylic acid works as a keratolytic to break down and shed the outer thickened layer of skin, which both removes infected skin cells and enhances penetration of the antifungal agent into the affected area.

Wash and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before use. Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area and surrounding skin, usually twice daily (morning and night) or as directed on the packaging or by a doctor or pharmacist, and continue for the full recommended duration even if symptoms improve earlier.

For adults and children, apply a thin layer to the affected skin area twice daily, continuing for at least 2 to 4 weeks or as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, as stopping too early can allow the fungal infection to return. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks of consistent use, medical advice should be sought.

Hovid Whitfield’s Ointment is generally stable for up to 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture when unopened and stored correctly; always check the expiry date printed on the tube or container before use.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the container tightly closed after each use. Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

Salicylic Acid

Benzoic Acid

• Known hypersensitivity to benzoic acid, salicylic acid, or any other ingredient in the ointment
• Application to broken, raw, or heavily inflamed skin
• Use on the face or mucous membranes unless specifically directed by a doctor
• Application over a large body surface area, especially in children, due to the risk of salicylate absorption

• Other topical keratolytic or exfoliating products used on the same area, which may increase skin irritation
• Other topical antifungal products applied to the same site, which may alter local absorption
• Occlusive dressings over the treated area, which can increase absorption of the active ingredients

• Apply consistently twice daily for the full recommended treatment course, even after symptoms improve
• Keep the affected area clean and dry between applications
• Avoid sharing towels, footwear, or clothing to reduce the spread of fungal infection
• See a doctor if the infection covers a large area, involves the scalp or nails, or does not improve within 2 weeks
• Avoid applying near the eyes or on broken skin

Salicylic Acid

Benzoic Acid

Whitfield’s Ointment is a long-established topical treatment for superficial dermatophyte (ringworm-type) fungal skin infections, combining an antifungal agent with a keratolytic to improve penetration through thickened, scaly skin. Because salicylic acid can be absorbed through the skin, especially when applied over large areas or under occlusion, use should be limited to the affected area only and treatment duration should follow the recommended course; infections involving the nails, scalp, or that fail to respond to consistent topical treatment often require a doctor’s assessment and may need an oral antifungal medicine instead.