Ichthyol ointment – indications, properties, contraindications

Proven content

Ichthyol ointment comes in two forms, as a brown ointment with a characteristic smell and as an ointment with a white consistency. Ichthyol ointment is recommended mainly for people with skin problems, especially of the acne type. What exactly is ichthyol ointment? Who should use it? How to apply it safely? And above all, ichthyol ointment for what is it used?

Ichthyol ointment – composition

Typical ichthyol ointment is an ointment with a characteristic brown color. Its consistency is “Tarry” and greasy, and the smell resembles hot asphalt. It has to itself that it is a very dirty ointment, after applying it to the skin, try not to touch the bedding or clothes, because everything will be dirty.

Ichthyol ointment contains few ingredients. Its main ingredient is ichiol technically referred to as ammonium sulfobituminate. In pharmacies you can find two variants of this ointment with different concentrations of ichthyol:

1. ichthyol ointment 10%,
2. ichthyol ointment 15%.

The auxiliary substances in the ointment are petroleum jelly and lanolin, and in the 15% ointment also camphor.

Currently, only ichthyol is used in cosmetics, which is obtained synthetically.

Also read: Acne ointment

Ichthyol ointment – application

The ointment is applied in case of emergence eczema, furunculosis, acne as a bacteriostatic agent and facilitating the escape of pus. It is also used in cases such as:

1. ulcers
2. strut and parapet,
3. seborrheic dermatitis,
4. psoriasis,
5. frostbite.

It has an immediate effect, but after its application, unpleasant “visually souvenirs” may remain on the skin. Any changes to the skin should be consulted with a doctor immediately. Thanks to this, the unpleasant ailments associated with them will quickly disappear. You can take advantage of a dermatological visit via an online consultation, which can be quickly obtained via the halodoctor.pl portal.

See also: seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis? How to distinguish?

Ichthyol – the main properties

Dark or black ichthyol is a component of prescription drugs, i.e. those made in a pharmacy only on special request, it has been known since the nineteenth century, and now it is a frequent component of anti-acne preparations, especially ichthyol ointment.

Among the main properties of the ingredient are properties antibacterial, accelerating wound healing and astringent. Ichthyol has an inhibitory effect on gram-positive bacteria such as:

1. staphylococcus aureus, or golden staph,
2. staphylococcus epidermidis,
3. streptococcus pyogenes.

Ichthyol is a strong ingredient, so it is very important to know how to apply the preparation properly. Ichthyol will also work well in the case of psoriasis.

Ichthyol is a natural product of the distillation of high-sulfur bituminous shale, but in cosmetics and ointments it is present in a synthetic form, which is produced by sulfonation of the oil. There are two fractions of it: ichthyol dark and light. The latter has a much more pleasant smell than dark ichthyol and, above all, it does not get dirty, because it has a light color.

White ichthyol has similar properties to dark ichthyol. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but has much stronger antipruritic and antifungal effects compared to dark ichthyol. It also normalizes the process of exfoliation of epidermal cells and promotes regeneration processes.

Ichthyol in cosmetic products is called Sodium Shale Oil sulfonate, it can be found not only in ichthyol ointment, but also in shampoos intended for scalp affected by psoriasis at various stages. Ichthyol is also a component of creams that soothe changes on the skin caused by rosacea. Ithiol in cosmetic products is called Sodium Shale Oil sulfonate, it can be found not only in ichthyol ointment, but also in shampoos intended for scalp affected by psoriasis at various stages. Ichthyol is also a component of creams that soothe skin lesions caused by rosacea.

Remember that you can also use the professional help of a dermatologist as part of the dermatological package, which can be used in Arkmedic facilities.

Also read: Antibiotic for acne

Ichthyol ointment – how to apply?

The drug is intended for topical application to the skin.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, apply a thin layer of the drug to the affected areas of the skin 1-2 times a day. Wash your hands after using the medicine.

If you have any doubts regarding the use of the drug, please consult your doctor.

Ichthyol ointment – contraindications

Ichthyol ointment or any other product containing ichthyol cannot be used by people who are allergic or hypersensitive to this ingredient. It is very important not to apply ichthyol directly to open wounds. With longer treatment, the ingredient may cause redness around the lesions that were applied with the ichthyol preparation. Dark ichthyol can leave stains that are difficult to remove. Children under 12 years of age should consult a doctor if it is necessary to use ichthyol product. Before starting the treatment, carefully read the instructions for its application, which can be found in the package leaflet.

Ichthyol ointment in pregnancy

if you are Pregnant, or you suspect that you may be in it, contact your treating physician before using ichthyol ointment. Do not make a decision about its use without consulting your doctor.

Breastfeeding women they should also consult a doctor or pharmacist before using the ointment.

Ichthyol ointment – leaflet

The package leaflet contains all the information on the composition, use and side effects of the ointment. If you have any doubts before using ichthyol ointment, consult a pharmacist or doctor – it will clarify all your doubts.

Ichthyol ointment – price

Ichthyol ointment is available at the pharmacy no prescription. You can buy it not only in a pharmacy but also in stationary and online drugstores. The main advantage of ichthyol ointment is that it is quite cheap and very efficient. 20 ml of the ointment costs 3 to 4 zlotys, and the tube may even last a long time, as it is a temporary measure.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.