Properties of ichthyol ointment
Many people always have the drug in their home medicine cabinet because it has a wide spectrum of action. Ichthyol ointment has the following properties:
- antiseptic;
- disinfectant;
- painkillers;
- antipruritic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- keratolytic;
- regenerating;
- antimicrobial;
- antibacterial.
Ichthyol ointment is actively used to treat a huge number of skin diseases; it is used in gynecology, proctology, urology, and cosmetology. If you believe the reviews, it helps get rid of local symptoms of inflammation, promotes rapid healing and disinfects. Its advantages:
- Availability and reasonable price. You can easily and inexpensively buy ichthyol ointment at any pharmacy.
- Efficiency. The use of the product is guaranteed to give a positive therapeutic result.
- Ease of use. As a rule, the product is simply applied to the skin in its pure form.
Compound
The drug is produced in darkened glass jars or tubes. The composition includes only ichthyol (concentration 10 or 20%) and medical petroleum jelly. The main component is natural, produced by dry distillation of oil shale from sulfur. The medicinal composition is dark brown in color, viscous, like cream or toothpaste, and has a specific pungent odor. Ichthyol ointment is also produced in the form of suppositories. They are intended for insertion into the vagina or anus to treat diseases of the pelvic organs.
a brief description of
Ichthyol ointment is often used for bruises that are accompanied by wounds and skin damage. The product has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect; after application, pain, redness and other unpleasant symptoms disappear. This inexpensive medicine was used during the war, when it helped save the lives of thousands of soldiers.
Note! Ichthyol ointment is an inexpensive external preparation that is recommended for use in resolving wounds and sucking out purulent discharge from inflamed abrasions.
This product is widely used in various fields of medicine - in dermatology, traumatology, urology, gynecology. Even veterinarians note that the budget ointment copes well with serious wounds; a positive effect is observed after the first application.
Application of ichthyol ointment
The drug is used to treat all types of skin infections. The product treats pimples and blackheads, boils, and wounds. It can be absorbed by the local bloodstream, but does not penetrate the systemic one. This property allows the product to be used for additional therapy for gynecological, urological, and proctological diseases. The list of indications for use is huge. The product is prescribed for the following skin diseases:
- hidradenitis (purulent inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpits);
- ulcers;
- pyoderma (infant skin lesions);
- eczema;
- dermatitis;
- boils and carbuncles;
- discoid lupus erythematosus;
- demodicosis;
- streptoderma;
- burns;
- sycosis (chronic inflammation of hair follicles);
- ostiofolliculitis;
- rosacea;
- wounds;
- erysipelas.
Ichthyol agent is used in complex treatment:
- arthritis;
- endometritis;
- neuralgia;
- cervicitis;
- vaginosis;
- salpingitis;
- colpitis;
- prostatitis;
- parametrites;
- metritis.
For acne
The product has a keratoplastic effect: relieves inflammation, softens infiltrates in the skin, removes swelling and dries, accelerates the regeneration process. Ichthyol for acne promotes their rapid ripening. The product is applied pointwise to each rash and draws out the contents from the pores.
Even subcutaneous pimples, which cause problems for a very long time and become inflamed from time to time, will ripen very quickly thanks to the ichthyol remedy. The drug should be applied in a thin layer to each rash, fixed with a band-aid, placing a piece of gauze or cotton wool under it, and left for a couple of hours, or better yet, overnight. The treated area should then be lubricated with salicylic acid, chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. This is necessary to remove excess ichthyol cream and dry the wound.
Tips for using ichthyol ointment against acne:
- As a rule, a 10% concentration of the drug is used.
- If you need to get rid of the accumulation of a large number of subcutaneous pimples, it is allowed to apply ichthyol ointment not pointwise, but with a film.
- Do not squeeze out the contents of a pimple yourself. Wait until it opens under the influence of the drug.
- Do not apply creams, oils, or masks to the wounded area for some time.
From blackheads
Remove blackheads formed as a result of blockage of pores with sebaceous fat, cosmetic residues, possibly using ichthyol oil. It dissolves sebaceous plugs and pulls them out. Tips for use:
- Before starting the procedure, it is advisable to steam the skin well by holding your face over a hot solution of calendula, string, and chamomile. Remove excess liquid with a napkin.
- Ichthyol ointment should be applied in a thick layer to the nose and other problem areas of the face. Where there are fewer blackheads, it is better to carry out spot treatment.
- After two hours, remove excess drug and cleanse the skin with some mild product.
- Finally, you need to disinfect your face with chlorhexidine or salicylic acid.
For hidradenitis
Hidradenitis is an inflammation of the sweat glands of the armpits and intimate area. Inflammation is characterized by the appearance of bluish-colored bumps, which are very painful and cause discomfort at the slightest movement. Hidradenitis will not go away on its own, and if you do not start conservative treatment, the node will have to be removed surgically.
The inflammation is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The pathogen enters the body through microtraumas. There is a high risk of hidradenitis in people with excessive sweating and those who experience irritation in their armpits after shaving. The inflammation lasts up to two weeks, after which it becomes chronic. Ichthyol ointment is used in the complex treatment of sluggish hidradenitis along with other local, antibacterial, and systemic drugs. Tips for using it:
- It is advisable to use a medicine of 20% concentration.
- Timely use of the drug, especially at the onset of the disease, usually helps to avoid surgical intervention.
- A compress with a large amount of ichthyol ointment is applied to the bump.
- The bandage should be changed every 3-4 hours. Excess old ichthyol ointment is carefully removed with chlorhexidine.
- When the lump opens, the bandage is changed every hour.
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For abscesses
The ointment draws out pus from any inflamed area of the skin and is used for boils and other abscesses to cleanse tissue. Compresses should be applied to the affected area and changed two to three times a day. The product promotes the rapid formation of a clear purulent head, which soon breaks through, releasing the wound. The latter can be further treated with ointment for speedy healing or simply washed with chlorhexidine.
In gynecology
A lot of diseases of the female reproductive system are treated with a complex of drugs that include ichthyol ointment. It helps with adnexitis, endometritis, vaginosis, endometriosis, colpitis, cervicitis, metritis, salpingitis, parametritis. The ointment on a tampon is inserted into the rectum or vagina. The second method is recommended to be used only in extreme cases, because the drug can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
Once in the rectum, the product is absorbed into the local bloodstream and has a therapeutic effect on inflamed tissue. Thanks to this, pain is relieved and pathogenic microbes are destroyed. About 15 grams of the product should be applied to a tampon (hygienic or made with your own hands from gauze and cotton wool), previously soaked in glycerin. You need to perform 1-2 procedures per day. If you insert a tampon into the rectum, you must first cleanse the intestines naturally or with an enema. As a rule, the course of treatment does not exceed two to three weeks.
Composition of the medicine and its packaging
What components does ichthyol ointment contain? Reviews from patients and doctors will not answer the question. You can only obtain it from the attached instructions.
The active ingredient of this product is a substance such as ichthammol. It also contains medical petroleum jelly in proportions 2:8 for 20% ointment and 1:9 for 10% ointment.
Ichthyol ointment is available in polymer jars or aluminum tubes.
Instructions for use
The specific method of use depends on what problem needs to be solved with the help of the product. The drug is applied to the skin or inserted into the rectum (vagina) on a tampon; Suppositories with ichthyol are used to treat diseases of the pelvic organs. Main uses:
- For skin diseases, neuralgia, arthritis, a thin layer of ointment is applied to the affected areas without rubbing. A sterile bandage is applied on top. Leave the compress on for 8-10 hours, changing it 2-3 times a day. The total duration of therapy is 2-3 weeks. Before changing the dressing, wash the treated area with soapy water.
- For inflammation of the pelvic organs, 15 g of ointment is applied to a tampon soaked in glycerin, and then inserted into the anus (after cleansing the intestines) or vagina. Leave it for 12-24 hours, then replace it with a new one. The maximum course of treatment is 3 weeks.
Adviсe:
- After applying the ointment, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Avoid contact of the product with mucous membranes. If this happens, rinse them with plenty of cold water.
During pregnancy
There are no direct contraindications for the use of ointment during pregnancy. However, it should not be used without a doctor's prescription or without his knowledge. Use of the product during pregnancy is not recommended. The ointment, when absorbed, does not enter the systemic bloodstream, but use is not recommended during lactation.
How to use
How Ichthyol ointment should be used if there is a bruise, injury with wounds, abrasions, the doctor will be able to accurately answer. Despite the fact that this is a popular remedy, it is still worth first examining and consulting with a specialist.
But it is still worth considering the basic recommendations that must be followed when using Ichthyol ointment:
- Before applying the product, the damaged area should be carefully washed and free of dirt. It is recommended to wash with warm water and soap.
- Additionally, the wound can be treated with a solution of Furacilin and Chlorhexidine. This can be done using cotton or bandage swabs.
- After disinfection, Ichthyol ointment can be applied to the wound. The product is applied in a thin layer.
- You can’t rub the ointment, let alone rub it in; it must be absorbed by itself.
- Then you can apply a bandage.
- You can apply the product up to 3-4 times a day.
- It is recommended to change the dressings every day.
Important! Relief occurs after the first application of the product. The frequency of ointment application depends on the size and complexity of the injury. If inflammation and suppuration are noted, then it is better to use the drug as often as possible, this will help draw out the purulent accumulations faster.
The duration of treatment therapy should be from 10 to 14 days. If severe suppuration is observed, it is better to use it for up to 3 weeks to avoid complications in the future. But it is worth considering that after the first time Ichthyol ointment is applied for bruises with open wounds, unpleasant sensations may occur - burning and itching. However, all this passes quite quickly.
Ichthyol ointment is an effective budget remedy that helps eliminate wounds and bruises. After using the external drug, relief immediately occurs, all negative manifestations are eliminated. Active substances instantly penetrate damaged tissues and start the recovery process, they prevent the occurrence of severe inflammation and infection.
Best before date
The date until which the drug is suitable for use, as well as the batch number, are indicated on one of the sides of the cardboard packaging. Ichthyol ointment can be used for 3 years from the date of release, and rectal suppositories are suitable for use for 2 years.
It is very reasonable to store the drug in the refrigerator; low temperatures will preserve the quality of the product throughout the entire period of treatment and storage.
The remaining period of 5-10 days before the date indicated on the package arrives is not a reason to refuse the medicine. It is quite usable.
After opening the tube or bottle of ointment, the shelf life of the medicine does not change. The main thing is that the cap is always tightly sealed. After opening the plastic cell with a candle, it must be used immediately.
Determining that a product has expired is quite simple. To do this, you need to inspect the packaging and find the date until which Ichthyol can be used. An external examination of the medicine itself will also not hurt. The ointment has a homogeneous consistency and is dark brown in color. Rectal suppositories are torpedo-shaped, from dark brown to red-brown in color. The presence of a white coating on their surface is allowed.
It is strictly prohibited to use Ichthyol after the expiration date - this can lead to allergic reactions.
