Acidic ointment used for topical treatment of dermatophytosis
Whitfield's ointment
Whitfield's ointment is an acidicointment used for the topical treatment ofdermatophytosis, such asathlete's foot. It can have a slight burning effect that goes away after a few minutes. It is named afterArthur Whitfield (1868–1947), a British dermatologist.[1]
Whitfield's ointment is not advised for areas of thinner skin, such as the scrotum or the groin, and in such sites should only be used diluted to half-strength.[5]
A systematic review of the medical literature comparing treatments forringworm andjock 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",[6] implying that the studies were of poor quality and therefore effectiveness could not be determined. Individual studies support its use as a cost-effective treatment.[7][8][9]
^R. J. Hay; H. R. Ashbee (2010), "Mycology", in Tony Burns; et al. (eds.),Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, vol. 2 (8th ed.), Wiley-Blackwell, p. 36.48,ISBN978-1-4051-6169-5
^Yvonne M. Clayton; Bruce L. Connor (1973), "Comparison of clotrimazole cream, Whitfield's ointment and Nystatin ointment for the topical treatment of ringworm infections, pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma and candidiasis",British Journal of Dermatology,89 (3):297–303,doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1973.tb02978.x,PMID4582719
^S. Wright; V. J. Robertson (1986), "An institutional survey of tinea capitis in Harare, Zimbabwe and a trial of miconazole cream versus Whitfield's ointment in its treatment",Clinical and Experimental Dermatology,11 (4):371–377,doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1986.tb00477.x,PMID2948740
