Whitfield Ointment

Whitfield’s ointment is an ointment used for the topical treatment of dermatophytosis, such as athlete’s foot. It can have a slight burning effect that goes away after a few minutes.

The original ointment contains 3% salicylic acid and 6% benzoic acid in a suitable base, such as lanolin or petrolatum. Alternatively, a short-chain alcohol or fatty alcohol can be used as the base.

Whitfield’s ointment is not advised for tender skin, such as the scrotum or the groins, and in such sites should only be used diluted to half-strength with its vehicle (emulsifying ointment).

A systematic review of the medical literature examining all treatments for ringworm and jock itch was generally critical of the quality of data available. It concluded that there was “insufficient evidence to determine if Whitfield’s ointment, a widely used agent is effective”. This means the studies executed were poor, not that Whitfield’s ointment is necessarily ineffective.

Individual studies support its use as a cost-effective treatment