In those days when there were not so many medications, ichthyol ointment and Vishnevsky ointment were used. They have been used to treat a variety of skin diseases. These medications are highly effective and low in price, for which they are still valued by doctors.
Many people buy medications themselves without waiting for doctor's prescriptions. But what is better - Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol?
Features of medications
Both drugs belong to the same pharmacological category. To understand what exactly distinguishes them, you should know what the difference is between ichthyol ointment and Vishnevsky.
So, both products have high disinfectant properties: ointments are excellent antiseptics. The substances included in the preparations have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and irritant effects.
Both products have almost the same scope of application. They are usually prescribed for focal inflammatory infections of the skin, bacterial infections: furunculosis, abscesses, acne. Sometimes the products are used for burns, bedsores, and they are used to treat bruises and frostbitten areas of the skin. All these properties make you wonder: which is better - ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky?
Ichthyol ointment
This product has a pungent odor, reminiscent of tar, tar soap, but it is not persistent and quickly disappears.
The ointment contains ichthamol, obtained as a result of shale combustion processes. It is because of this substance that the product has such an aroma. What are the indications for using the ointment?
Ichthyol ointment is used for:
- burns of varying degrees;
- erysipelas;
- hidradenitis;
- boils;
- sycosis;
- eczema;
- rosacea;
- arthritis and neuralgia;
- streptoderma and other pathologies.
The ointment is also indicated for treatment inflammatory diseases pelvis
Pharmacological action
Ichthyol ointment can have antiseptic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, and keratostatic effects. It can eliminate skin itching, remove dead skin, improve its elasticity, and also enhance regeneration processes. The use of the drug improves metabolic processes in the skin, as well as eliminate excess peeling.
Release form
Ichthyol ointment is available in two types:
- 20%. 100 grams of the drug contains 20 grams of ichthyol and 80 grams of medical petroleum jelly. This drug is supplied in large bottles of 800 and 1800 grams, as well as in tubes and bottles of 25 grams.
- 10% . 100 grams contain 10 grams of ichthyol and 90 grams of petroleum jelly. This remedy is used at home. Available in 25 gram bottles and tubes.
Vishnevsky ointment
When comparing Vishnevsky and ichthyol ointments, one more difference can be identified: the cost of the drugs. Liniment according to Vishnevsky is cheaper.
Features of using ointments
Both products have excellent pulling properties in the treatment of furunculosis and ulcers. For such infections, it is recommended to use both drugs alternately. Sharing gives positive result faster. Blood flows to the infected area, inflammation is stopped, and the abscess matures and breaks through faster. All its contents come out easily. Continued use of these products helps speed up tissue regeneration processes.
When treating with ointments, you must follow the order of application:
- For purulent pathologies at the maturation stage, the use of both ointments is recommended. However, ichthyol helps best with abscesses.
- After opening the source of infection at the stage of wound healing, Vishnevsky's liniment is more suitable.
In order not to think which is better - Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol - it is recommended to have both drugs. The latter is applied to the affected areas before the appearance of ulcers, and the first after the opening of purulent foci. Such complex use will help to quickly get rid of pathologies and speed up the process of scarring of wounds.
Contraindications
Ichthyolka and liniment according to Vishnevsky have practically no contraindications. These products are not recommended only in case of individual intolerance to their constituent components. Also, drugs should not be used in childhood up to six years.
The use of ointments during pregnancy and lactation is possible, but only as prescribed by a doctor.
Both products are used externally only. These drugs cannot be used for application to the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes.
Ichthyol ointment is a remedy that has long been used for all types of purulent wounds and formations. There are enough ointments to get rid of acne.
Why did ichthyol ointment become the most popular? The fact is that ichthyol is a drug that contains 10.5% sulfur. If a purulent pimple occurs, no one will be able to get rid of it easily, because it does not disappear on its own.
If it is not lubricated, it can spread pus all over the face, even if this very formation is squeezed out first. Subcutaneous pustules are located far away. They appear due to the active activity of bacteria.
The main culprit in the formation of acne is a disrupted sebum secretion process. After this, a blockage occurs in the gland ducts, which provokes initial inflammation.
The cause of acne may be improper body temperature, hygiene, bad habits, unhealthy diet, poor functioning of endocrine and nervous systems, hormonal imbalance, allergies and heredity.
Bacteria live in every person, as well as on the surface of his body, no matter how much you wash. As soon as favorable conditions arise, they penetrate deep into the integument and cause inflammation, the treatment of which takes a painfully long time. 
However, ichthyol ointment can draw pus from pimples hidden under the skin to the surface. When the pimple is not yet inflamed, but only hurts, the swelling will begin to subside and the abscess will resolve.
The pimple will no longer appear in that place. By using the ointment, you will avoid infection in the blood vessels.
The most important active ingredient is ichthyol, which is extracted from resin. This remedy is potent in the treatment of dermatological lesions.
The main quality of the ointment is that it eliminates any inflammation on the skin. Of course, the smell of the product is not very pleasant, but you can get used to it.
Ichthyol ointment acts specifically on the pimple, as if turning it from bottom to top. After all, it happens when subcutaneous patches remain on the face for weeks.
At the slightest disruption in the body, the pimple begins to become inflamed. When it is lubricated with ichthyol, the pus will begin to come out, and the pimple will shrink and disappear.
Ichthyol ointment tends to corrode comedones. The plug does not come out, but dissolves. In a similar way, it is possible to remove white plugs and blackheads from the face.
So, if you have comedones on your face, then try applying the ointment to the spots. Do not smear the ointment on your face under any circumstances. The only exception is the nose, which is full of blackheads.
By using the ointment, you will disinfect the skin, disinfect other parts of the face, cleanse the pores and remove all infection from the inside.
If the spots are not very deep, the ointment will reduce the post-acne condition.
You need to wait until the lower layers of the epidermis begin to regenerate. You can use substances similar to bodyagu. Apply the ointment only before going to bed. Apply it specifically to the pimple that needs to come out.
The ointment should be on the face for about two hours. When the pimple is stuck deep, apply ichthyol to a cotton pad, apply it to the pimple and secure with a band-aid. This method will be convenient in order not to get dirty.
If you fall asleep with it, the pus should come out the next morning. At night it will linger on the face and will act longer. Then calmly apply the aloe to disinfect.
However, the pus may not come out completely. It happens that it remains at the top under the film. In this case, it is advised to take a needle, dip it in salicylic acid and lightly prick the pimple.
It happens that an abscess breaks out during sleep. Then, when removing the bandage, do not be too persistent in removing the remaining purulent compartments, treat the wound and leave it until it heals.
To get rid of pimples, it is necessary to carry out antiseptic treatment of the skin. If the inflammation lasts for a long time, it is necessary to first disinfect and fight bacteria.
People like this ointment precisely because of its ability to act quickly against inflammation. It is absorbed into the skin and wages an internal struggle against it.
Regardless of the type of inflammation, the ointment provides a complex of actions. It has many effects.
Properties of ichthyol ointment
1. Relieving external and internal inflammatory phenomena.
2. Disinfection of the affected area.
3. Accelerate tissue regeneration. 
4. Draws out pus even from deep wounds.
5. Dries out the skin.
6. Prevents the process of rotting.
7. Reducing pain with complex acne. That is why it is sometimes used instead of a weak painkiller.
This function is based on mild irritation of nerve endings, the sensitivity of which is dulled and pain disappears.
8. Reduce spots that form on the face from acne.
The ointment also removes many other inflammations, even those that spread deep under the skin. Its main difference lies precisely in the ability to hit directly at the target.
With its use, metabolism will improve, and the permeability of the walls of small vessels will increase. In this way, the body will receive more oxygen along with nutritional benefits.
Toxins along with harmful substances removed from the top layer of skin. This prevents them from being reabsorbed and causing inflammation again.
The sulfur contained in the ointment disinfects and cleanses, smoothing and without drying out the skin. It normalizes all processes in the skin, which means the ointment has similar properties.
You can buy ointment only in pharmacies, where they sell it in jars or tubes. If necessary, the ointment is diluted with glycerin. Allergy to ichthyol occurs rarely. Then you should reduce the use of the ointment and apply it strictly according to the instructions.
Such an ointment may leave dark spots, because the skin is stained. However, over time, the stains will wash away, and vigorous scrubbing with scrapers will not help you.
In order to remove stains, you just need to wash your face with water and cleanse your face with any cosmetic product.
Once the acne is gone, do not stop using the ointment. After all, they may appear again very soon.
Even a small red spot turns into a painful pimple, after which a hard bump forms, which gradually increases in size. However, it is not recommended to use it every day.
The skin also requires rest, even if this is a very useful ointment. Also, the ointment should not be used together with preparations made from iodine compounds and alkaloids.
You need to know that acne takes two weeks to mature. This means that in order to avoid inflammation, you need to have time to remove small stains with the same ointment during this period.
Then you will not have skin inflammation, because the ointment will prevent pus from spreading over the skin.
The most prohibited action is squeezing a pimple. In this way, you will damage the skin, introduce infection into the blood, and even stains will remain.
To avoid acne, take some time for yourself. Walk more often, eat less sweet, fatty and smoked foods, give up alcohol and coffee.
Cleanse your face daily to remove accumulated oil and flaking skin.
What ichthyol ointment helps with is indicated in the instructions, which should be included with each package of a medicinal product sold in a pharmacy.
The active substance in this pharmaceutical form is ichthyol, or ichthammol, the chemical name of which is ammonium bituminosulfonate. It is obtained industrially, extracted from rock resins that contain the remains of fossil fish. To receive active substance long known as a means to combat inflammatory processes, a multi-step chemical process has been developed. It involves heating, treatment with acids and further evaporation of the resulting ichthammol to the desired concentration. Ready-made forms based on ichthyol are classified as antiseptics and disinfectants. Ichthyol has been used in medicine for a long time, and was originally used in pure form for the treatment of joint and skin diseases.
These drugs have analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Ointment with ichthyol is recommended for external diseases accompanied by an inflammatory process.
How the active substance works
Ichthyol ointment contains 10% or 20% of the active substance, which is mixed with petroleum jelly and sold in dark glass jars with a volume of 10 ml. A smaller dose of ichthyol is used to treat superficial inflammation, and a form containing more active substance is recommended for the treatment of deep-lying abscesses and inflamed joints.
Ichthyol ointment, the instructions for which describe the pharmaceutical form as a thick oily mass of black color with a red tint, has bad smell. When applied to an inflamed area, the active substance causes a local anesthetic effect, so the pain at the site of application quickly passes.
Ichthyol ointment, the instructions for use of which allow the use of a pharmaceutical form for small children, pregnant and lactating women, is harmless when applied topically. Its active substance does not penetrate into the systemic circulation and does not cause side effects on the body. Topical application is accompanied by severe darkening skin at the site of application and yellowing of the nail plate, which does not go away for a long time.
Ichthyol has several beneficial properties that allow this pharmaceutical form to remain on the pharmacological market, despite the abundance modern drugs similar impact. It quickly relieves pain, localizes the inflammatory process and leads to recovery.
Ichthyol ointment, reviews of the use of which are always positive, is used to treat tumors of unknown etiology and promotes the rapid maturation of pus. When applying it to a sore spot, the patient can be sure that in a day or two the purulent contents will corrode the layers of the epidermis and flow out. Medicine works for abscesses developing in the deep layers of muscle tissue, rotting of the periosteum, infection of soft tissues due to pinpoint wounds, furunculosis. Its anti-inflammatory effect on cells is very strong, because the active substance causes a change in tissue trophism through irritation of nerve fibers and regulates impaired blood circulation in the affected area.
When is the pharmaceutical form used?
Ichthyol ointment, the use of which begins as prescribed by a doctor, is used for diseases that are difficult to treat and are accompanied by tissue inflammation. It could be:
- erysipelas;
- burns;
- infected animal scratches;
- abscesses of various etiologies;
- neuralgia and arthritis.
Ichthyol ointment can be used to treat felon, which takes a very long time to treat with conventional means. This acute purulent inflammation begins on the fingers and toes from the palms or near the nails. The use of ichthyol helps speed up the process of pus maturation and bring it out.
This remedy can be applied to the place where there is some foreign body that is bothering you, but does not come out. This could be a piece of glass or metal shavings. Ichthyol ointment will help get rid of such a splinter.
It is used to treat animals that have abscesses on their limbs caused by an animal bite or other injury. If the pharmaceutical form is applied to the swollen area and bandaged, then no later than 48 hours the inflamed area will be cleared of pus and then quickly heal.
The product should not be used if strong allergic reactions caused by individual intolerance medicine, which is very rare.
An overdose of the active substance cannot occur when applied topically. If someone accidentally ate the drug, then gastric lavage and enterosorbents will help.
How to use the remedy correctly
The ointment is used only during the acute period of inflammation. After the pus has matured and the wound has opened, ichthyol is no longer used. This usually occurs 2-3 days after the start of therapy.
Before using the product, the tumor is treated with an antiseptic, dried, and then a thin layer of ointment is applied, covering the entire affected area with it. The layer is covered with a sterile napkin or bandage, and on top - with plastic film, which creates greenhouse effect and does not allow the ichthyol mass to dry out. Then apply a tight bandage, which is left for a day to pharmacy form could work effectively. The next day, the bandage is removed, the wound is examined and the remedy is applied again.
The medicinal form must be handled with care so as not to get it onto the mucous membranes or into the eyes. It is better to apply the product using a special spatula, because ichthyol has an irritating effect on tissue. Remains of ointment from your hands should be washed off with soap and warm water.
This is done until the wound opens. If a purulent core appears, remove it wash with clean, antiseptic hands and use sterile tweezers, wash the wound with hydrogen peroxide, and discard the ointment. When liquid pus with bloody contents appears, it is squeezed out, collected with a sterile bandage or cotton wool, which is then burned. Hydrogen peroxide is used to completely clean the wound.
Ichthyol ointment, despite its smell, should always be in your home medicine cabinet. At home, it can be used to quickly cure a small abscess in a pet or person who has acquired an infection through a small wound in the subcutaneous tissue or muscles. If you have deep wounds, strong abscesses that are located deep in the muscles and compress nerve fibers, you need to contact a surgeon for help. Self-medication can cause blood poisoning and death from sepsis.
Ichthyol ointment - external antiseptic. The instructions recommend using it for acne, ulcers, and also for joint inflammation. The use of ointment is traditional and popular for drawing out boils that do not ripen for a long time. What does ichthyol ointment do? What is the best way to use it in treatment? And does ichthyol ointment help with viral skin lesions (chickenpox, herpes)?
Ichthyol - antiseptic
Ichthyol (or inhammol, or in chemical terminology - ammonium bitumen sulfate) - a resinous substance from shale rocks. It is a concentrate of organic substances with a large number sulfur. Ichthyol is obtained by multi-stage processing of organic resin found in sedimentary shale rocks.
Note: the name “ichthyol” is translated from Greek as “fish” or “fish oil”. This is due to the fact that skeletal remains of prehistoric fish are often found in shales.
In the production of ichthyol, shale resins are sublimated and distilled, then treated with alkali, sulfuric acid and ammonia water, then evaporated and a medicinal substance is obtained.
It was introduced into treatment practice at the end of the 19th century. German doctor Paulem Unna. The medicine was given anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic effect. It was intended for external therapy of skin and joint diseases, inflammations.
Today ichthyol ointment - traditional remedy for the treatment of purulent wounds. She is being released at a concentration of 10%. Treatment with ichthyol ointment is used in dermatology, urology, gynecology and veterinary medicine. At the same time, the veterinary composition differs in concentration ( 20% instead of 10% 20% has a more pronounced effect. Therefore, sometimes patients use the veterinary composition for a quick therapeutic effect. Ichthyol contains a lot of organic sulfur. Therefore, its effect is similar to sulfur ointment (also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory).
The effect of ichthyol in ointment
Ichthyol ointment 10% - effective drug for the treatment of skin and joint inflammation. How does the ointment work?
The active substance (ichthyol) inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators. In this regard, its effect is similar to the work of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as a result of which joint pain is reduced and the development of inflammation is limited. In case of inflammation, ichthyol ointment acts as an analgesic - reduces inflammation and reduces pain.
Ichthyol also slightly irritates the nerve endings, and this increases blood circulation and vascular tone in the area where the ointment is applied. Resulting in tissue nutrition improves(in medical terminology - their trophism), the elimination of metabolic products is accelerated, and as a result, the area of inflammation decreases and the amount of pus decreases(if there was one). Thanks to the tone of the vessels, their lumen narrows and the flow of fluid to the site of inflammation decreases. Which leads to a decrease in swelling.
Thus, ichthyol ointment draws out pus, treats inflammation on the skin (boils, dermatitis, post-burn redness) and in subcutaneous tissues (joints).
Treatment of inflammation has an effect on reducing pain. Therefore, ichthyol ointment is called not only an anti-inflammatory, but also an analgesic.
What is ichthyol ointment used for?
Ichthyol ointment in the instructions for use refers to antiseptic drugs. It exhibits a bactericidal effect predominantly against gram-positive bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus. It also has some depressant effect against pathogenic fungi. Therefore, it is used to treat skin inflammations of bacterial and fungal origin, as well as joint pain.
Let's list what ichthyol ointment helps with and when it is used for external treatment:
- For skin infections(acne of various origins - boils, ulcers, acne, hidradenitis - purulent inflammation sweat glands in the armpits).
- For skin injuries(burns, frostbite) after primary epithelization.
Note: ichthyol ointment open wound not applied. Therefore, it is not applied to open burn wounds, and are used after primary healing, the so-called primary epithelization.
- For allergic skin inflammations(eczema, dermatitis).
In gynecology, ichthyol ointment is used to treat inflammation (in the breast - mastitis, in abdominal cavity - fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and endometritis). In urology, ointment is used in the treatment of prostatitis.
Note: for inflammation of the pelvic organs, ichthyols are used rectal suppositories. They are introduced into the rectum, from where ichthyol is transported to the abdominal organs. This treatment is used in gynecological and urological practice.
In rheumatology, the ichthyol composition is used to reduce the area of inflammation in joint pain (arthritis, neuralgia of any origin).
Ichthyol ointment for boils and ulcers
The main property of ichthyol ointment is manifested as the ability to draw out purulent exudate. Ichthyol ointment for abscesses is used to accelerate the “ripening” of the boil(if abscesses have formed and are in no hurry to mature, they sit deep and hurt).
The use of ichthyol ointment for abscesses can speed up the process of abscess formation. It speeds up its tension and subsequent breaking through. After which the pimple is carefully burned with alcohol.
Note: if the pimple is small, it may “disappear” without ripening. In this case, the pus from the ichthyol ointment simply resolves, and an abscess does not form.
Ichthyol ointment for acne
Ichthyol ointment helps improve appearance skin with purulent acne . She pulls out pustules from the deep subcutaneous layer. And this accelerates their maturation and treatment. How to use ichthyol ointment for cosmetic purposes?
- Acne removal- after pulling the pimple, if it has not opened on its own, it is squeezed out or pierced with a needle. Afterwards, the pus is removed and treated with an antiseptic. If necessary, apply ichthyol ointment again. When the pus has completely drained, epithelization (healing) of the skin tissue occurs.
- Cosmetic facial cleansing- ichthyol is applied to the face for 30-40 minutes. A mask of ichthyol ointment shows where inflammatory processes they still go and require repeated “cleaning”.
Note: in addition to the cosmetic “cleansing” procedure, in other cases it is not recommended to apply ichthyol ointment to the entire face. It is better to use it pointwise - exclusively on pimples, comedones, boils, and abscesses.
Ichthyol also draws out the contents of clogged sebaceous ducts (comedones).
- Removing blackheads- with oily skin, the sebaceous ducts become blocked by the so-called “plug”. It creates the appearance of a black dot. An accumulation of blackheads on the nose, cheeks, cheekbones, and in the nasolabial triangle is called acne. Ichthyol dissolves sebaceous plugs and removes the contents of the duct out. Thus, the cosmetic effect of ichthyol ointment against blackheads is manifested.
- Treatment of ingrown hair- the ability of ichthyol ointment to remove dirt and grease is used. Anti-acne agents are often used for therapy. They dissolve the sebaceous fat accumulated in the hair follicle. Thus, ichthyol ointment for ingrown hairs allows the hair to grow outward rather than inward.
- Chalazion treatment- Ichthyol’s ability to unclog sebaceous ducts is also in demand. This disease is associated with inflammation of the sebaceous gland on the eyelid, its blockage and the formation of a lump or tumor. For chalazion, ichthyol ointment is applied from the outside next to the eyelid (so as to prevent it from coming into contact with the cornea of the eye). It pulls out the formed “barley” and treats inflammation.
Important: after a purulent formation breaks through, the rod must come out when treating a chalazion. Only then will the recovery be complete.
Ichthyol ointment and wen
For the treatment of so-called wen, the success of therapy depends on how completely it was possible to pull out the contents of the fat capsule from under the skin (its internal exudate and shell (capsule)). If treatment consists only of removing the contents of the capsule, then after some time the wen will form again.
When wen forms under the skin, ichthyol ointment is used as an additional means of external treatment. It reduces inflammation after puncture, laser correction, radio wave removal.
Ichthyol ointment in gynecology
Ichthyol ointment has found application in gynecology. How to use ichthyol ointment to treat female genital organs?
The ointment composition is used in the form of tampons. Need to know that According to the instructions, ichthyol is not applied to mucous surfaces. Therefore, when inserting tampons with ichthyol ointment into the vagina ointment diluted with glycerin. In addition to glycerin, ichthyol ointment for tampons can be diluted with camphor oil. Dilution of ichthyol ointment reduces the concentration of ichthyol and reduces irritation of the mucous membrane.
Due to the irritating effect of ichthyol on the vaginal mucosa, sometimes tampons are inserted into the rectum (through the anus). From the rectum, ichthyol will enter the local bloodstream inside the small pelvis and through it to the inflamed female genital organs.
Note: ichthyol ointment cannot be used for cervical erosion. It can increase irritation and inflammation. Also, due to irritation of the mucous membrane, do not apply regular ichthyol ointment without dilution to the lip or inside the nose.
Glycerin itself also has some effect. It increases the secretion of mucus in the cervix and thereby speeds up the cleansing of the vagina from pathogens. This is why tampons with ichthyol ointment cause profuse mucous discharge from the vagina.
Ichthyol ointment for tick infections
Ichthyol ointment for hemorrhoids
With developed hemorrhoids in anus Protruding nodes (bumps) form. They often become inflamed and bleed. For their treatment, local wound healing agents (ointments) are used.
The ichthyol composition can be used as an external antiseptic. However, one must understand that the main effect of ichthyol ointment is antiseptic and disinfecting. It has almost no wound healing properties. Therefore, you should not hope that in case of hemorrhoids, ichthyol ointment will be able to stop bleeding and tighten bleeding cones.
Ichthyol ointment in children and pregnancy
The ointment is approved for use in pregnant and lactating women. But Ichthyol ointment is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Ichthyol ointment is not used for infants. Instead, other skin antiseptics are used.
Methods of using ichthyol ointment
Ichthyol ointment is used in pure and diluted form. The undiluted composition is used to treat boils and joint pain. Dilution of ichthyol is necessary when applying ointment to mucous membranes.
If necessary, dilution Ichthyol is mixed with glycerin or camphor oil (until a homogeneous mass), after which it is used in the form of lotions (for streptoderma) or tampons (for the treatment of gynecological inflammation).
Undiluted ichthyol ointment can be rubbed into the skin without a bandage or apply it under a bandage (for long acting). If used without a bandage, rub into the skin until warm sensations appear. After which, they wrap the joint with a warm scarf to preserve heat and have a better therapeutic effect.
If you put the ointment under a bandage, then apply it to the skin without rubbing. This compress with ichthyol ointment is used both for the treatment of joints and for purulent boils.
Sometimes (for severe joint pain) ichthyol ointment for animals is used ( 20% ). How to apply ichthyol ointment? For a compress, apply it in an even layer several millimeters thick. Afterwards, cover with gauze or other natural fabric. And leave the ichthyol ointment overnight.
How long to keep ichthyol ointment under the bandage depends on the extent of joint inflammation. Usually it is applied for 8-12 hours (evening + night time), and washed off during the day (ichthyol has a specific odor, so its use during the day can create some psychological discomfort).
Important: ichthyol ointment is not applied to the wound. Therefore, you cannot use it to treat skin inflammations that are accompanied by wounds and bleeding, and you also cannot smear fresh cuts, burns and other skin injuries with ichthyol.
Analogues of ichthyol ointment
The first analogue of ichthyol ointment- Vishnevsky ointment. It is often offered as a means of identical action. At the same time, it has some differences that make it possible to distinguish between the use of ichthyol and Vishnevsky ointment. What are they?
Ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky ointment: which helps better against boils
Vishnevsky ointment is also an external antiseptic and is used to treat infected wounds. It differs in composition, containing birch tar and xeroform (disinfector, phenolic product). Ichthyol ointment tightens the abscess faster. Therefore, at the stage of its maturation it is better to use ichthyol. After the abscess breaks through, you can switch to Vishnevsky ointment. It has stronger bactericidal properties, so it treats inflammation better than ichthyol ointment.
In addition, ichthyol is used to reduce joint pain. And Vishnevsky’s ointment does not have a joint therapeutic effect.
Ichthyol ointment or Levomekol: comparison of composition and action
Levomekol- ointment containing an antibiotic broad action chloramphenicol and wound-healing substance methyluracil. Levomekol is also intended for the treatment of skin inflammations, however does not have the property of “pulling out” pus. However, it has a stronger antibactericidal effect and the ability to accelerate the regeneration (healing) of skin tissue.
Levomekol allows you to treat severe inflammation. It is used for deep skin injuries and extensive purulent infections., applied to open purulent wounds. Ichthyol is more effective for local purulent formations (boils, pimples).
Combination treatment uses both ointment compositions. First - ichthyol ointment (to draw out pus from deep tissues). And after - Levomekol (for effective treatment inflammation and rapid epithelization).
Cheap drugs are often highly effective. One of them is Ichthyol ointment. This medicine has a huge list beneficial properties, so it has continued to enjoy enormous popularity for more than a decade.
Ichthyol ointment - composition and properties
Basics active substance, present in this drug is ichthammol. Its second name is ichthyol. This is a natural substance. It is obtained from sulfur: for this it is subjected to dry distillation. As a result of this procedure, shale oil is formed. It is then treated with sulfuric acid and ammonia. As a result, a product with a syrupy consistency is formed. It is distinguished by a reddish-brown hue and a specific odor. The concentration of this substance in the ointment can be 10% or 20%. An additional component of this medication is Vaseline.
Due to the fact that Ichthyol ointment has such an unusual composition, this medicine has a considerable spectrum pharmacological action. This drug is used for external use. The main effect that this drug has is anti-inflammatory. This is achieved through the implementation of the following biological effects:
- Antiseptic– suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria and prevents their reproduction. In addition, it kills pathogens that cause the inflammatory process.
- Keratoplasty– loosens the top layer of skin and promotes the rejection of affected tissue.
- Local anesthetic– the main active ingredient has an irritating effect on nerve endings with a subsequent decrease in their sensitivity.
How does Ichthyol ointment work?
The main advantage of this drug is that the drug penetrates deeply into the skin and has a powerful antimicrobial effect. This medication is delivered to the veins and capillaries. It’s amazing how Ichthyol ointment works: it affects not only the symptoms of diseases, but also the causes of their occurrence. It is noted that after several procedures of using this drug, swelling goes away, inflammation and other pathological manifestations of pathologies decrease.
What does Ichthyol ointment help with?
This medicine is prescribed for the following skin infectious diseases:
- hidradenitis - inflammation (with the release of pus) of the sweat glands located in the armpits;
- burn lesions;
- dermatitis;
- eczema;
- boils;
- sycosis;
In addition, Ichthyol ointment helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the following diseases:
- arthritis;
- neuralgia.
This is also what Ichthyol ointment is used for in the form of tampons (they are inserted into the rectum or vagina):
- prostatitis;
- endometritis;
- cervicitis.
Ichthyol ointment - application
This medicinal product has a bactericidal effect against streptococci, staphylococci and pathogenic yeast-like fungi. Thanks to this, the drug copes well with skin itching and softens keratinized skin. As a result, tissue elasticity increases. More often, Ichthyol ointment 10 is prescribed in the following cases:
- mastitis;
- seborrhea;
- atheroma;
- haemorrhoids;
- dandruff;
- acne;
- boils;
When Ichthyol ointment is applied to an open wound or to ripening boils, it is important to remember that this drug does not harmonize properly with every drug. The reaction may be unpredictable. This applies to topical medications containing the following components:
- alkaloids;
- heavy metals;
- salt;
Ichthyol ointment for acne
This medicine softens infiltrates, reduces swelling, dries tissues affected by inflammation, and promotes skin regeneration. Ichthyol ointment is applied pointwise. The procedure itself looks like this:
- Cover each rash with a thin layer.
- Place a piece of gauze or a cotton pad on top and secure with a band-aid.
- Leave it on for at least several hours, but it is better to apply the bandage overnight.
- The problem area is treated with salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine. This procedure allows you to remove excess medication and dry the wound.
When using Ichthyol ointment for acne on the face, it is important to take into account their “maturity” and the number of rashes. If there are a lot of such subcutaneous formations, the drug can be applied not pointwise, but with a thin film. However, you should not squeeze pimples. Cosmetologists advise to wait a little: wait for the subcutaneous formations to mature under the influence of this drug. During this period, do not apply to the problem area of the skin. cosmetic oils, masks and creams.
Ichthyol ointment for blackheads
This medicine helps to unclog pores clogged with residues of cosmetics and sebaceous fat. Ichthyol ointment dissolves blackheads and draws their contents out. The rules for its use are as follows:
- You need to steam your face well (to do this, you can hold it over a hot decoction of chamomile, calendula or string).
- Remove excess liquid with a paper towel.
- If there are a lot of blackheads, the drug is applied in a thick layer. For isolated problems, spot treatment is carried out.
- After a couple of hours, remove the remaining drug from the surface of the skin and treat the area with Salicylic acid or Chlorhexidine.
Ichthyol ointment for boils
At the initial stage, this drug accelerates the maturation of ulcers and the release of exudate to the outside. The sooner the boil opens, the less likely it is that the infection will begin to spread. In addition, in this case the wound heals faster. Ichthyol ointment draws out pus. Its use is safe provided that the following requirements are met:
- The surface is treated with a cotton pad soaked in an antiseptic solution.
- Ichthyol ointment is applied in a thin layer to the problem area. The drug must not be rubbed in! IN otherwise this will lead to the integrity of the abscess being compromised, and the infection will spread to the nearby area.
- Gauze is applied to the treated area and the “bandage” is secured with a bandage. This compress is left for 7-8 hours.
- After the procedure, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. This will prevent drug residues from getting on the mucous membranes.
- After 7-8 hours, the old bandage is removed. If necessary (if the boil has not burst) medical procedures repeat. The maximum permissible duration of therapy is 5 days.
If a boil has formed on the face, it must be handled especially carefully. It is unacceptable to get the medicine into your eyes: it is dangerous! It is recommended to dilute the ointment with a solution of Glycerin in a 1:1 ratio. The mixture is applied in a thick layer to the inflamed area and left for 2-3 hours. Afterwards the product is removed with a cotton pad. To achieve the desired effect as quickly as possible, the procedure can be repeated several times a day.
Ichthyol ointment for abscesses
This medicine accelerates the process of maturation of the formation. As a result, a clearly visible purulent “head” appears on the surface. If you continue to apply this drug to the inflamed area, soon the formation will “break through” and the exudate will flow out. Ichthyol ointment is intended for use for abscesses for 2-3 days. More often, after this, the pus flows out and the clean wound is treated with Chlorhexidine.
Ichthyol ointment for nail fungus
Onychomycosis is one of the problems that this drug can easily cope with. Ichthyol ointment for toenail fungus is most often applied in the form of applications. A cotton pad is placed on top of the affected plate and the whole thing is secured with a bandage or fabric bandage. For greater effectiveness, Ichthyol ointment 20 can be used. This compress is recommended to be done at night for a week in a row.
Ichthyol ointment for hemorrhoids
This drug is recommended for use during an exacerbation of the disease. It helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain, all thanks to the fact that it fights pathogenic microorganisms that provoke complications. In addition, Ichthyol healing ointment promotes the healing of affected tissues. However, you should not assume that this remedy can be used uncontrollably: at the first opportunity you should contact a proctologist. Ichthyol ointment for hemorrhoids is rather considered a remedy emergency assistance. This drug should be used as follows:
- The medicine is lubricated on the skin around the anus. This procedure should be carried out immediately before bedtime.
- In the morning, use a cotton pad to remove any remaining drug.
- The skin is washed with warm water.
Ichthyol ointment for ingrown hairs
This drug helps resolve subcutaneous infiltrates. Thanks to this, the skin softens: it helps the hairs to “break through” the thickness of the tissue. When such a rod breaks through the skin, it can be easily removed with tweezers. However, you should not expect that Ichthyol ointment for ingrown hairs will be a panacea. The desired result may not come: everything is individual, but you can try. It is advisable to cover problem areas with ichthyol ointment 12-24 hours after epilation or shaving. The procedure is performed as follows:
- Medicine apply in a thin layer.
- The area is covered with a gauze bandage and the application is secured with an adhesive plaster.
- This compress is left overnight.
- In the morning, the application is removed and the skin is washed with warm soapy water.
- The surface is wiped dry and lubricated with nourishing cream.
Ichthyol ointment for mastitis
This medicine is calming soft fabrics and reduces painful sensations, eliminates itching. Ichthyol ointment against mastitis is considered effective and inexpensive drug. To enhance the effect, it is prescribed in combination with other medications. It is applied as follows:
- Apply a small amount of ointment to the problem area of the gland.
- The top is covered with polyethylene and secured with a bandage.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours, then wash it off with warm soapy water.
Ichthyol ointment in gynecology
This medicine effectively copes with women's diseases. Tampons with ichthyol ointment can be inserted into both the vagina and rectum. However, the first method is used very rarely, since the drug has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane. To mitigate this effect, it is recommended to dilute the ointment with Glycerin. More often, tampons are inserted into the rectum. The drug is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, due to which it has a healing effect on nearby inflamed tissues. The procedure is recommended to be carried out as follows:
- They do a cleansing enema.
- The tampon is moistened in Glycerin and Ichthyol ointment (up to 15 g) is applied to it.
- It is injected into the rectum for a couple of hours.
- The procedure can be performed 1-2 times a day. The course lasts 7-10 days.