Therapeutics: Whitfield ointment: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Therapeutics: Whitfield ointment

Sample item

Whitfield ointment, used for hyperkeratotic tinea pedis, contains which two agents?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Benzoic acid and salicylic acid

Whitfield ointment combines benzoic acid (fungistatic) and salicylic acid (keratolytic), usually in a 2 to 1 ratio. It helps scaly and hyperkeratotic dermatophyte infections of the feet. It may irritate if used on inflamed skin.

Option by option

  • A. Sulphur and coal tar

    Sulphur and coal tar are used for other dermatoses.

  • B. Tretinoin and clindamycin

    Tretinoin and clindamycin is an acne combination.

  • C. Benzoic acid and salicylic acid (correct)

    Correct. Whitfield ointment contains benzoic and salicylic acids.

  • D. Clotrimazole and betamethasone

    Clotrimazole with betamethasone is a different combination cream.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Benzoic acid and salicylic acid. Whitfield ointment combines benzoic acid (fungistatic) and salicylic acid (keratolytic), usually in a 2 to 1 ratio.

Why is "Sulphur and coal tar" not the answer?

Sulphur and coal tar are used for other dermatoses.

Why is "Tretinoin and clindamycin" not the answer?

Tretinoin and clindamycin is an acne combination.

Why is "Clotrimazole and betamethasone" not the answer?

Clotrimazole with betamethasone is a different combination cream.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Therapeutics: Whitfield ointment in Dermatology. It helps scaly and hyperkeratotic dermatophyte infections of the feet. It may irritate if used on inflamed skin.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Therapeutics: Whitfield ointment?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.