Application

• Care should be taken not to get benzoic acid and salicylic acid in your eyes, mouth or nose, according to Drugs.com. Before and after you apply this medication, wash your hands. Gently rinse and pat your skin dry in the area you are treating. With your fingers or a cotton swab, apply enough medicine to form an even 1/8-inch layer. The medicine may also be applied to a gauze pad and placed over your skin.
  
  

Use

• The medication should be applied twice a day unless your doctor gave you other instructions. The skin should be kept clean. Unless your doctor has instructed you to wear a bandage over the area, you should keep it exposed to the air as much as possible. If there is no improvement after seven days of use, contact your doctor.
  
  

Side Effects

• A warmth or burning sensation may be noticed after application. This may last as much as three to five minutes. If you continue to feel the burning sensation for more than 10 days, consult your doctor. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or face, breathing problems or hives, get emergency medical attention. Before using this drug, inform your doctor if you have an allergy to polyethylene glycol. Severe burning and irritation are signs of an overdose. If you believe you have used too much, seek emergency medical care.
  
  

Interactions

• Before using benzoic acid, inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You should not use other skin medications without the advice of your doctor. Do not start taking any new medications while using this drug without informing your doctor.
  
  

Considerations

• It has not been determined whether topical benzoic acid solution is harmful to unborn babies or whether it passes through breast milk to a nursing child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. When applying this medication do not touch the medicine tube to the area of skin being treated. If you miss a dose of this medication, use it as soon as possible unless it is near the time for your next dose. Never use larger amounts than prescribed, and do not use an extra amount to compensate for a missed dose.