Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid
About
Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid is a dermatological medication primarily used to treat eczema, psoriasis, skin irritation and inflammation caused by burns, insect bites, fungal infections. Eczema is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid is composed of two medicines: Salicylic acid and Benzoic acid. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine (softens, separates, and causes desquamation (peeling) of the cornified epithelium or horny layer of skin), which breaks down the clumps of keratin, removes dead skin cells, and softens the skin. Salicylic acid is also an anti-inflammatory agent and topical antibacterial agent. Benzoic acid is a fungistatic/antiseptic agent and works by inhibiting the growth of fungi. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your infection. Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid is for topical (for skin use) only. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse thoroughly with cold water. Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid has common side effects like warmth or a burning sensation, skin irritation, itching and redness at the application site. The burning sensation may usually last for five minutes after application.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid other medications. Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected area unless the doctor advised doing so. Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid should not be applied on mucous membranes, lesions, and large areas of skin. Please check with your doctor before using Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid, if you have kidney, liver diseases, and other skin infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid.
Uses of Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid is a combination medicine of Salicylic acid and Benzoic acid. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine (softens, separates, and causes desquamation (peeling) of the cornified epithelium or horny layer of skin) that breaks down the clumps of keratin, removes dead skin cells, softens the skin. Salicylic acid is also an anti-inflammatory agent and topical antibacterial agent. Benzoic acid is a fungistatic/antiseptic agent inhibits the growth of fungi.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid
- Warmth or a burning sensation
- Skin irritation
- Itching and redness at the application site
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before using Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid, let your doctor know if have a history of kidney, liver diseases, allergic reactions to Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid and other medicines. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant and a lactating mother. If you apply Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid to breasts or nipple for treatment, wash it off while nursing your baby. Do not apply Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid on mucous membranes, lesions, and large areas of skin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid may interact with other dermatological medicines (adapalene, alitretinoin, bexarotene, isotretinoin, tazarotene, tretinoin, and trifarotene).
Drug-Food Interaction: No drug-food interactions found/ established. However avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can effectively manage fungal infections.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, kidney, liver diseases, and other skin infections before using Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction found/ established. Please consult your doctor before using Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on how Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before starting Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid. However, if nursing mothers apply Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid to their breasts for treatment, it is advised to wash the affected area thoroughly before breastfeeding the baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedBenzoic Acid+salicylic Acid has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid.
Children
safe if prescribedBenzoic Acid+salicylic Acid is to be used on children below 12 years of age only when prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and spread of the fungal infection.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent fungal infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and sleep peacefully.
Special Advise
- It is advised to reach out to your doctor if the fungal infection symptoms persist or worsen even after two weeks of treatment.
- Before applying Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid, clean and dry the affected area. Avoid contact of Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid with nose, mouth or eyes. If Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Eczema: It is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Some types of eczema can also lead to blisters (a small bubble on the skin that is filled with serum and is caused by friction, burning, or other damage).
Psoriasis: It is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These most commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Fungal infection: A fungal infection (also called mycosis) is a skin disease caused by a fungus when it invades the skin tissue.
FAQs
Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid consists of Salicylic acid and Benzoic acid that can effectively treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent and causes shedding of the outer layer of skin. Benzoic acid is a fungistatic/antiseptic agent and inhibits the growth of fungi.
Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid unless the doctor advised doing so. Do not apply Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid on mucous membranes, lesions, or large areas of skin. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water.
It is not advised to stop using Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid even after your symptoms are relieved. You should complete the full course of treatment. You might see improvement in your symptoms, but the disease might not be cured completely.
You are required to maintain at least a three-hour gap after application of Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid if you are using more than one topical medicine.
It is advised to avoid using any cosmetic products while being treated with Benzoic Acid+salicylic Acid to prevent any interaction or skin irritation.
