How to Use Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a chemical compound derived from benzene. It has a chemical formula of C(6)H(5)COOH and also goes by the names of carboxybenzene, benzene carboxylic acid and phenylformic acid. While it occurs naturally in gum benzoin (a.k.a. benzoin resin or Benjamin gum), it is often altered in laboratories so that its salts can be used as a food preservative in fruit juices, sodas, picklesand salad dressings. It is safe for human consumption in that form but can also be used for medicinal purposes to prevent infection from setting in on minor skin abrasions.

Things You'll Need

• Saline solution or water
• Sterile gauze or cotton ball
• Benzoic acid topical cream or solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the affected area with clean, running water or saline solution.

• 2

  Dab the skin dry with a sterile gauze pad. Apply a generous amount of benzoic acid cream or topical solution to a cotton ball and rub the cream onto the minor skin abrasion you have incurred. Spread the cream evenly so that it forms a 1/8-inch layer over your cut. Place a sterile bandage over your cut.

• 3

  Be careful not to get the benzoic acid cream into your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Read the directions on the benzoic acid cream container and follow the dosing instructions, which should be limited to two applications of the topical cream to the affected skin area per day.

• 4

  Watch the affected skin area daily and contact your doctor if you do not see significant improvement in seven days.