Ointment for burns, skin inflammations, abscesses and other pathological conditions must be present in every first aid kit. After all, no one is immune from getting banal domestic injuries.
What is ichthyol ointment for? Feedback on the effectiveness of this tool will be presented below.
According to the instructions, the presented medication is used not only for the above conditions, but also for the treatment of hemorrhoids, boils, acne and even gynecological diseases.
Thus, we can conclude that this drug is a universal remedy.
Composition of the drug and its packaging
What components does ichthyol ointment contain? Reviews of patients and doctors will not give an answer to the question posed. You can get it only from the attached instructions.
The active ingredient of this remedy is a substance such as ichthammol. It also contains medical vaseline in proportions of 2:8 for a 20% ointment and 1:9 for a 10% ointment.
Ichthyol ointment is available in polymer cans or aluminum tubes.
Pharmacology of local drug
What is remarkable about ichthyol ointment? Feedback from each consumer about this tool is subjective. Therefore, such responses should not be trusted.
According to the instructions, the drug in question has a keratoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and local anesthetic effect.
Operation principle
How does ichthyol ointment work? Instructions, reviews of experts report that the effectiveness of this drug is due to the presence of such an active substance as ichthammol.
With a direct effect on the skin and mucous membranes, the mentioned ingredient has a local irritating effect on the sensitive endings of nerve fibers. Gradually, weak irritation is replaced by a decrease in the sensitivity of the latter. As a result, reflexes develop that change tissue trophism.
It should also be noted that the active ingredient of the agent in question causes the denaturation of protein molecules.
The drug is absorbed into the skin and mucous membranes, has a positive effect on inflamed areas and subcutaneous layers (including in combination with alcohol).
It should also be noted that the use of the ointment helps to restore blood circulation, regulate the tone of blood vessels, improve metabolism and increase the elasticity of the skin.
The analgesic effect of the drug on the deep layers of soft tissues appears a few hours after the treatment of the painful area.
Featuresmedicinal ointment
What properties does ichthyol ointment have? Application (everyone can leave reviews about this cream) of this remedy contributes to the following effects:
- Pain relief and inflammation relief. Ichthammol is able to inhibit the activity of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are actively involved in the breakdown of arachidonic acid. As a result of such exposure, the formation of compounds, which are a powerful mediator of inflammation, slows down markedly. Ichthammol also reduces the production of prostaglandins, reducing the intensity of pain.
- Antimycotic action. Dermatophytes such as geophilic and zoophilic fungi (Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum canis) are highly sensitive to 0.2% solutions of ichthammol, while drugs with a higher concentration of the active substance are used to destroy the vital activity of mold onychomycosis and candidiasis.
- Antibacterial action. The drug in question is very effective against gram-positive bacteria, which, in fact, are the main and, perhaps, the only causative agents of infections that appear on the skin. In particular, ichthammol has a detrimental effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and group A streptococci.
Indications for the use of the ointment
Under what conditions is ichthyol ointment prescribed? Positive feedback about this tool is most often left by those patients who used thisa remedy for the treatment of skin diseases such as erysipelas, eczema, burns, abscesses and others. In addition, this medication is actively used for arthritis and neuralgia of an inflammatory or traumatic nature.
Is ichthyol ointment used in gynecology? Reviews of experts say that the drug in question is very effective not only in gynecological, but also in urological practice in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (for example, prostatitis, parametritis and metritis, salpingitis, as well as a number of other pathological conditions).
It cannot be said that ichthyol ointment is often used in the expansion of hemorrhoidal veins. Such use of the drug is due to its ability to eliminate painful manifestations and stop inflammation of the nodes, disinfect them, accelerate the processes of cell repair and tissue epithelization, contributing to the healing of anal fissures.
After applying the medication to the hemorrhoids, itching decreases, the outflow of venous blood is stimulated, blood circulation improves and discomfort in the anus is eliminated.
Contraindications to the use of an external remedy
This drug has practically no contraindications. According to the instructions, ichthyol ointment should not be used only if there is an allergic reaction to ichthyol and individual intolerance to the components.
How to use
The medication in question is used only for external therapy. Hisa thin layer is applied to the skin and covered with a piece of gauze. Rubbing the ointment is not recommended.
Wash hands after treatment.
The duration of the course of therapy is determined by the doctor (depending on the clinic of the disease and the diagnosis). The instructions say that an adult can use ichthyol ointment three times a day.
Instruction and dosage
How is ichthyol ointment used for subcutaneous acne? Reviews of doctors say that for the treatment of rashes on the face, the drug is best used in the form of masks. This method is well suited for patients with extensive acne.
The medication is applied in a thick layer on the face, avoiding areas around the lips and eyes. In this state, the ointment is kept for two hours, and then removed with a cotton pad and wipe the face with cosmetic milk.
After the procedure, the area with rashes must be treated with a cream or lotion, which includes salicylic acid.
It is desirable to make such a mask at least twice a week. Due to the fact that the drug has an unpleasant odor, it should be used before bedtime.
Using a medication for ordinary pimples, it is required to apply it pointwise to the inflamed area and cover with a cotton swab. After 120 minutes, the remaining medication must be removed.
Ichthyol ointment also helps to get rid of boils. Reviews about her in this regard are mostly positive, and ointment is applied to the inflamed glandin the amount of 2 g and firmly fixed with a gauze napkin. Similar processing is carried out every 10 hours.
How should ichthyol ointment be used in gynecological practice? In this case, the swab is thoroughly impregnated with a mixture consisting of the agent in question and a 10% solution of glycerin. It is then administered intravaginally twice a day.
Ichthyol ointment for hemorrhoids (reviews on the effectiveness of this remedy are described below) is used both in its pure form and in combination with glycerin.
When you feel a burning sensation and pain, you should definitely consult a doctor. Consultation with a specialist is also necessary if two weeks after the start of treatment, there is still no positive dynamics.
Side effects
Ichthyol ointment rarely causes adverse reactions. Sometimes, against the background of its use, the patient may experience skin rashes, itching, redness and burning.
Ichthyol ointment: consumer and specialist feedback
Experts say that ichthyol ointment is a multifunctional remedy. This drug is actively used for eczema, abscesses, boils and even acne.
Many representatives of the fairer sex claim that this tool is simply indispensable in the fight against skin imperfections. It allows you to quickly eliminate inflammation, disinfect the affected area, reduce the size of acne and their soreness, accelerate the removal of purulent contents of pustules, remove peeling andvisibly soften the skin.
The only drawback of this ointment, according to reviews, is its unpleasant smell.
