Ichthyol ointment, unlike many medications, is known not only to doctors, but also to ordinary people, for a long time. In the people, its name has even been shortened and is called simply "ichthyolka". This remedy is widely used in home treatment for many skin diseases.
Properties of ichthyol ointment
The main substance of ichthyol ointment is ichthammol (ichthyol), this is the so-called fish oil, despite the fact that it has nothing to do with fish. Translated from Greek, it translates as "fish" and "oil" because it is derived from shale tar, and archaeologists are often found in the wreckage of shale prehistoric fish.
So, the effect of ichthyol ointment is due to the composition of ichthyol:
- shale resins;
- organic sulfur (thiophene - up to 10.5%).
In the preparation of ichthyol ointment, the composition is slightly different from the original substance:
- Ichthyol - active substance (20 g);
- Vaseline medical;
- emulsifier T-2.
Thus, the composition of the ointment is quite simple, and it is noteworthy that its main active substance is created by nature, and not synthesized in laboratories.
Indications for the use of ichthyol ointment
Ichthyol ointment is used to treat skin diseases, and in home cosmetology, ichthyol ointment is used mainly for the face.
Organic sulfur ichthyol has a bactericidal action against gram-positive bacteria (streptococcus and staphylococcus). Also, it is able to resist the spread of yeast-like fungus, stopping its development at the cellular level. The only drawback of ichthyol ointment is that the basic substance does not affect gram-negative bacteria.
This ointment has not only a bactericidal, but also a local anti-inflammatory effect: it reduces the number of inflammatory mediators and speeds up their metabolism. It also inhibits the movement of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. Therefore, using ichthyol ointment can remove redness on the skin.
Two more basic properties of the ointment - the removal of itching and the elimination of keratinization of the skin. Ichthyol includes proteins in human keratin, and therefore the skin becomes more elastic, the peeling disappears and the dead skin areas disappear. It becomes thin and soft. Another function of ichthyol is to protect the skin from UV, as well as reduce its sensitivity.
Given these features of the ointment, it is prescribed for:
- burns;
- erysipelas;
- eczema;
- lupus erythematosus;
- smallpox;
- streptoderma;
- staphyloderma;
- arthritis;
- prostatitis.
At home, thanks to the bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, ichthyol ointment is used against acne if they are caused by bacteria, rather than internal problems with the hormonal sphere or abnormalities in the digestive tract.
Ichthyol ointment - use of acne
Ichthyol ointment is able to pull the suppuration on the surface, and this reduces the "life" of the pimple. Therefore, if you need to get rid of inflammation as soon as possible, you can use Ichthyol. Also, it is able to neutralize subcutaneous pimples , which become inflamed with the slightest malfunction in the body.
For a greater antibacterial effect, zinc-ichthyol ointment can be used, because zinc is also used in acne acne treatment, but it neutralizes bacteria on the surface of the skin and is unable to collect pus.
Ichthyol ointment can also be used against post-acne, as it speeds up the metabolic processes of the skin.
How to use ichthyol ointment?
Use ichthyol ointment preferably at night, because it has a specific bright odor, which is difficult to get rid of:
- Using a cotton swab, apply ointment on the previously cleaned skin area, where the pimple was formed.
- Then apply a piece of polyethylene to the ointment and fix it with adhesive tape.
- After an hour, the ointment should be washed off with warm water.
- This procedure should be repeated every other day until the problem is resolved.