Among the large number of drugs, there are those that have been used for a long time. But this does not mean that they are safe and effective. Some drugs in medicine are almost never used, because they have been replaced by more modern drugs. But ordinary people out of habit still use them. These drugs include drugs based on boric acid. This is an antiseptic and antiparasitic agent familiar to many, which is used externally. An alcohol solution, special petroleum jelly, and other ointments based on this substance are produced. The basis of all these funds is boron powder. It is in this form that acid exists, which is used, in addition to medicine, in agriculture and industry.
General characteristics
Boric powder is a white crystalline substance. It is poorly soluble in cold water, better when heated. Therefore, the most commonly usedalcoholic solutions of boric acid, where it retains all its properties. This substance has been widely used since the end of the 19th century, when its antiseptic properties were discovered. Then boron powder was used to treat wounds, treat diseases of the ears and eyes, remove corns and diaper rash. The aqueous solution of this substance had no taste and smell, and did not irritate the skin. But since the end of the 20th century, the use of boric acid in medicine has been limited. After all, more effective and safer antiseptics have appeared, and an overdose of boric acid is dangerous, especially for children. Although ordinary people still often use drugs based on it out of habit.
Boric acid is most often produced in powder form. Get it by mixing hydrochloric acid with borax. A white powder is formed, odorless and tasteless. In nature, this powder is found only in some s alt lakes in Asia and America.
Forms of release of boric acid
Some believe that boric alcohol, which is sold in pharmacies, is boric acid. But in fact, acid is a white powder, and alcohol is its alcohol solution. The substance itself in it is usually from 1 to 4%. In addition, boron ointment can be purchased at the pharmacy. This is a combination of acid with vaseline 1:10. It is used for corns, pediculosis, for the healing of some wounds.
But the most popular is boric acid powder. Where to buy this tool, many are interested. After all, in this form it can be used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for the treatment of plants, for the destruction of insects and inother purposes. It is best to buy boron powder in a pharmacy. It is packaged in 10 and 20 grams, and the cost of a bag is not at all expensive - from 10 to 25 rubles. For domestic purposes, you can purchase industrial boric acid. Gardeners know where such a product is sold, as it is bought in hardware stores among fertilizers and insecticides.
Features of action
Boric acid powder is valued for its antiseptic properties. But studies have shown that this substance also has anti-pediculosis, antifungal, antiparasitic, fungistatic, astringent and weak antibacterial action. Powder is used in the form of solutions, ointments or powders only externally. It has a disinfecting effect in various diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. It is especially effective for otitis, conjunctivitis, fungal diseases, thrush, pyoderma, pediculosis, eczema and dermatitis. The action is due to the fact that the main substance penetrates pathogenic microorganisms and destroys their proteins.
What is boric acid used for
This powder is better known as an external antiseptic for the treatment of the skin. It is used in the form of an aqueous or alcoholic solution, as well as in the composition of various ointments. It has antiseptic, antifungal and antiparasitic effects.
In addition, boron powder is widely used in agriculture and industry:
- as a top dressing, it accelerates the appearance of ovaries and increases yields;
- part of manyfertilizer;
- protects wood from fungus and decay;
- used in the production of ceramics, fiberglass, enamels;
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for the destruction of insects.
home use
Medical applications
Until the middle of the 20th century, boric acid in any form was widely used for medical purposes. The eyes of newborns, the nipples of nursing mothers were even treated with an aqueous solution of the powder. But studies by scientists have determined that such use of boric acid can be dangerous, since its ingestion leads to poisoning. This remedy is especially difficult for young children to tolerate. Instead of boric acid, more effective and safer means are now being used.
Boric acid solution is used in the treatment of various dermatological diseases. It is effective for eczema, diaper rash, dermatitis, pyoderma. It helps with fungal diseases, pediculosis. The powder eliminates odor in shoes and relieves excessive sweating of the feet. With otitis, the solution is dripped into the ear.
Instructions for the use of boric acid for adults
Despite the fact that studies have shown the low effectiveness and toxicity of the drug, it is still often used. If done correctly, it will not cause harm, but you should not use this substance often, as the acid accumulates in the body. In addition, it can only be used by adults.
For home treatment, you can purchase ready-made preparations: alcoholsolution, ointments, boron vaseline. But it is best to buy boric acid in powder and make solutions yourself. They acquire medicinal properties when their concentration is from 2%. Most often it is recommended to prepare a solution of 3-4%. It is made with hot water. Half a teaspoon of powder is added to 100 ml. Acid does not dissolve well in cold water. You can also make an alcohol solution or mix it with petroleum jelly.
Powder is used most often in the form of an aqueous or alcoholic solution with a concentration of 2-4%. There are some features depending on the pathology:
- for otitis or pain in the ear, instill 3 drops three times a day, the course of treatment is no more than a week;
- from boric alcohol you can make a compress on a sore ear;
- wash eyes with water solution for conjunctivitis;
- dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of powder in a small amount of warm water and do foot baths for fungal diseases of the feet;
- for acne and acne, wipe problem areas with a cotton pad dipped in boric alcohol.
Contraindications and side effects
Boron powder can only be used externally, in the form of solutions or mixtures. When ingested, this substance is toxic. Boric acid is excreted by the kidneys, but it is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses the placental barrier. Therefore, if the work of the kidneys is impaired, this substance accumulates in the body, which leads to poisoning. Besides,even external use is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. After all, solutions of boric acid easily penetrate the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, such drugs are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance and acute inflammatory skin diseases. Do not use the substance if a large area of the skin surface is to be treated or if there are ulcers and open wounds.
Even the correct external application of boric acid powder solutions can lead to side effects. In addition to allergic reactions, it can be nausea, vomiting, disruption of the intestines. In addition, sometimes there are tissue edema, the development of eczema, depression of the central nervous system, anemia, convulsions, the development of a state of shock.
Can children use
For an adult, a lethal dose of boric acid is from 5 to 20 grams, depending on how well the kidneys work. In children, the function of the kidneys is still imperfect, so they need a smaller dose to get poisoned. Boric acid is especially dangerous for newborns. Therefore, since the end of the 20th century, this substance has been classified as contraindicated for use in children. Boric acid poisoning is difficult for them to tolerate, convulsions develop, urination disorders, vomiting, the child falls into a coma. Deaths have also been reported following the use of boric acid on children, so this treatment is now banned.
Home use
Often people buy boric acid powder to kill insects. It is especially effective against ants. Powderpoured on ant paths, and insects on their paws bring its crystals into the anthill. If the powder enters the body of insects, it leads to convulsions and their death.
Boric acid powder is also often used against cockroaches. It is necessary that this substance penetrate the body of the insect with food, then it will lead to paralysis and death. For this, various baits are made by adding this powder to them. It is odorless and tasteless, which is why cockroaches eat such baits. To do this, the powder is mixed with raw or boiled yolk. You can also add boiled potatoes or vegetable oil. From the mixture you need to form balls and spread out in places where insects accumulate.
