Ichthammol Ointment

One of the most common accidents that occur to children is when they are playing in the grass or with woods or such breakable stuff. That is when they come home with splinters embedded in the skin. Or maybe broken glass. And the only option you have is to run for the doctor or apply ichthammol ointment. This ointment is famous as a drawing salve. It is said to draw out the splinter. In reality what happens is that, it softens the skin around the ‘foreign object’ allowing it to come to head sooner. Ichthammol ointment is derived from sulfuric shale that is mixed with paraffin or beeswax. Sometimes it can be enhanced with other ingredients like arnica or comfrey. This ointment is also said to contain many antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is present in different strengths but the best is the 20% concentration. The Ichthammol salve is obtained by the dry distillation of oil shale. In medicine, it is used as a remedy for treating many forms of skin diseases like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. There are many other benefits of ichthammol ointment. To know more, read the article given below on the uses and side effects of ichthammol ointment.

The Uses And Side Effects Of Ichthammol Oil

Uses Of Ichthammol

Boils
It is most commonly used to treat boils. The boils result from infections in the hair follicles and it can be red, swollen, and filled with pus. This ointment draws out the infection by pulling the pus to the surface of the skin so that it can be pierced.

Ear Treatment
A mixture of ichthammol and glycerol is used to treat ear infections.

Spider Bites
Some spider bites are poisonous which can result in painful bumps or death. The Ichthammol ointment draws out the venom and so it is used to treat spider bites. However, along with it medical advice must also be sought. The ointment must be applied on the bite area and covered with a bandage. Check the bite area after 12 hours.

Splinters
The Ichthammol ointment is also very good in drawing out splinters that are embedded in the skin. Splinters like wood and glass, if not removed can result in septic infection. Before applying the ointment, you should thoroughly clean the area. After applying the ointment cover it with a bandage and then check the area in 24 hours. The splinter will come out of the surface of the skin, which can then be pulled out with tweezers.

Stings
Stings from hornets, bees, and wasps can lead to painful rashes in the skin. The Ichthammol ointment provides relief from the pain of the sting. Sometimes it can cause allergic reactions and therefore a medical consultation is advised. If you have trouble breathing then it is due to allergic reactions.

For Animals
It can be used to treat skin ailments in animals. This ointment is applied to treat the infections in the horses’ legs. It is also good to treat abscess in animals.

Caution

The Ichthammol ointment should be used externally.
Before used this ointment medical advice should be sought.
It should not be used if you have allergic reactions with any of its ingredients.

Side Effects Of Ichthammol Ointment

It can result in skin irritation.
Sometimes it can lead to the incomplete removal of the foreign bodies.
It can lead to the scarring or burning of the skin.
It should not be brought in contact with the eyes.
The ointment can stain clothing. So, it must always be covered with a bandage to avoid staining.

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