Hovid Whitfields Ointment

Hovid Whitfields Ointment is a topical preparation manufactured by Hovid Berhad, a Malaysian pharmaceutical company. Each 100g of the ointment contains two active ingredients: Benzoic Acid 6% w/w and Salicylic Acid 3% w/w, combined in a semi-solid ointment base intended for application to the skin. This dual-acid combination is widely known in pharmacy practice as Compound Benzoic Acid Ointment, or by its traditional name, Whitfield’s Ointment.

This product is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) topical medicine and is intended for external use on the skin only — it should never be applied to the eyes, mouth, nose, broken skin, or other mucous membranes. It is supplied as a tube of ointment for topical dispensing, and the base allows the two active acids to be spread evenly and absorbed into the outer layer of the skin.

As with any topical OTC preparation, the exact pack size, batch number, and expiry date should be checked on the carton before use, and the printed package insert should be read in full before starting treatment. Customers who are uncertain whether this product is appropriate for their skin condition should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area of skin before application.

Apply a thin, even layer of Hovid Whitfields Ointment to the affected area only, gently rubbing it in until it is absorbed.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after application, unless the hands themselves are the area being treated.

Avoid covering the treated area with an airtight or occlusive dressing unless a doctor or pharmacist has specifically advised this.

Use this product only on unbroken skin; do not apply to open wounds, cuts, or deep skin cracks.

The usual application frequency is two to three times daily, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

Only a thin layer is required to cover the affected area — applying more ointment than necessary does not improve results and may increase the chance of skin irritation.

If there is no change in the condition of the skin after two weeks of regular, consistent use, stop using the product and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before use in young children, as directed on the packaging.

Use this product before the expiry date printed on the tube and outer carton.

Once opened, use within the timeframe stated on the packaging, if any is printed; otherwise, dispose of any remaining ointment once the printed expiry date has passed.

• Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Keep the tube tightly capped after each use to prevent the ointment from drying out.
• Do not store in a humid location such as directly beside a bathroom sink or shower.
• Store out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Mild stinging or a warming/burning sensation at the site of application, particularly on first use.
• Common: Redness of the treated skin.
• Common: Dryness, peeling, or flaking of the skin as the outer layer exfoliates.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic skin reaction, such as a spreading rash, swelling, blistering, or intense itching — stop use and seek medical attention if these occur.
• Serious: Chemical-burn-like irritation from prolonged or excessive use, or from use under an occlusive dressing — discontinue and seek advice if this occurs.

• Do not use in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to benzoic acid, salicylic acid, or any other ingredient in the ointment base.
• Do not apply to broken, infected, or weeping skin, or to open wounds and deep skin cracks.
• Do not use on the eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, nose, or any other mucous membrane.
• Do not use under an occlusive (airtight) dressing unless specifically instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Not for use in infants without prior consultation with a doctor or pharmacist, due to the increased risk of skin absorption of salicylates in this age group.

• No clinically significant drug interactions have been established for topical Benzoic Acid and Salicylic Acid ointment when applied as directed to a limited area of intact skin.
• Using other topical salicylic acid, benzoic acid, or exfoliating skin products (such as acne treatments or chemical peels) on the same area at the same time may increase skin irritation — avoid combining these unless advised by a pharmacist.
• Food and drink taken by mouth are not known to interact with this product, as it is formulated for external skin application only, not for oral use.
• If applied over a large area of skin, for prolonged periods, or under occlusion, absorption of salicylic acid may theoretically increase; anyone taking oral salicylate medicines, such as aspirin, should discuss concurrent use with a pharmacist.

• Do a small patch test on a limited area of skin before the first full application, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Apply to clean, dry skin so the ointment base can spread and be absorbed evenly.
• Store the tube upright with the cap tightly closed to prevent the ointment from drying out between uses.
• Wash your hands before and after application to maintain hygiene, unless the hands are the area being treated.
• Keep track of how long you have been using the product — check with a pharmacist if continuous use has passed two weeks.
• Keep the tube out of reach of children and pets at all times.

Precautions: This product is for external use on the skin only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Use with caution on large areas of skin, on broken or inflamed skin, and in infants and young children, as increased absorption of salicylic acid may occur through compromised or thin skin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check with a pharmacist or doctor before use over a significant area of skin, as with any topical medicine.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the treated skin shows no improvement after two weeks of regular use, if irritation worsens or spreads, if you notice signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, or if you experience a suspected allergic reaction such as a spreading rash or blistering.