Formic alcohol is a medicine that contains only two ingredients: formic acid and ethyl alcohol, in which it is dissolved. The concentration of the active ingredient in 70% alcohol is 1.4%. This means that for 98.6 g of the auxiliary substance (ethanol) there are 1.4 g of formic acid. This drug is available in dark glass bottles of 50 ml and is available in pharmacies without a prescription.
The active substance is formic acid
Formic alcohol, application, price, contraindications of which will be described in detail in the article, contains the same acid as an active ingredient. It is a colorless liquid with a specific odor. In the 17th century, John Ray - a naturalist from England - isolated this substance from red ants, which determined its name.
Later it turned out that formic acid is contained not only in the secret of ants, but also of bees, and is also found in nettles, sorrel, needles, and some sweet and sour fruits.
This substance is also registered as a food additive, as it has antibacterial and preservative properties, thereby slowing down the processes of decay.
It is clear that, despite the content of formic acid in nature, on an industrial scale it is synthesized artificially. So, this substance is formed (albeit as a by-product) during the production of acetic acid. There are other opportunities for obtaining it in the chemical industry.
Formic alcohol: medical applications
As a medicine, a solution of formic acid in ethanol is used for muscle and joint injuries, neuralgia, arthritis, gout and rheumatism. This is due to its locally irritating, distracting effect, the ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation and cellular nutrition of tissues. After using this remedy, the pain syndrome is weakened, and inflammatory processes are significantly reduced.
Formic alcohol, the use of which inside is strictly contraindicated, is used externally as follows: it is rubbed, massaging, into the painful area 2 to 4 times a day, after which a clean cloth is applied and a warm scarf is tied around this part of the body to enhance the effect.
The antiseptic action of formic alcohol allows it to be used for disinfection of medical instruments, surface and room treatment. The drug is also successfully used to destroy mold.
Safety
Exclusively forexternal use is prescribed a drug such as formic alcohol. Its use inside is first of all impractical, and it can harm he alth. There is information that formic acid in concentrations up to 10% has only an irritating effect, and only higher - corrosive. However, it is not worth the risk if there is no desire to earn gastritis or an ulcer. In addition, formic acid, in significant amounts, damages the optic nerve and, as a result, can cause blindness. Contact with formic alcohol on mucous membranes and skin that is damaged or irritated should also be avoided.
Formic alcohol - use in cosmetology
This remedy is very popular for the treatment of various skin defects: from acne to boils. But before applying it to the face, it is recommended to test for a possible allergic reaction by smearing a small amount of alcohol on the skin in the problem area. If after a day no redness and no itching appear, you can try it as a remedy for acne.
There are a number of nuances here. Firstly, before treatment, the skin should not be further cleaned, otherwise, after the procedure, peeling cannot be avoided. For dry skin type, it is better to refrain from using this product. Secondly, alcohol in its pure form should not be used: the drug is diluted with boiled water in half and only then applied with a cotton pad to problem areas. The alcohol will evaporate quickly, and after that it is recommended to moisturize the skin with a cream. HowAs a rule, improvement occurs in 2-3 weeks. But dermatologists do not advise to get involved in such a remedy as formic alcohol, the use of which dries the skin very much, for more than four weeks. Even if good results are achieved, it is worth taking a break of a month and a half before repeating the course of acne treatment.
Contraindications
As with any medical product, individual intolerance to a drug such as formic alcohol is possible. Its use in this case is absolutely contraindicated. Before external use, it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the skin and do not use a disinfectant for wounds, abrasions, cuts and injection marks. Doctors also do not recommend formic alcohol during pregnancy and lactation - if only because of the lack of research on this topic.
Issue price
If there are indications for the use of a drug such as formic alcohol, its use will not be hindered by the very democratic cost of the drug, which, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 10 to 25 rubles.
