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Every day we encounter situations where the continuity of the skin may be disturbed. We are particularly exposed to them during the summer months, when most of the body’s surface is exposed. Usually these are simple abrasions that do not require specialist medical intervention. It is good to know how to help wounds heal quickly and without leaving any traces.
Thormentiol is an ointment for use on slightly damaged skin. The preparation has astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. As an aid, you can use the ointment superficially in purulent lesions.
Thormentiol – composition
The 20-gram package contains 0,4 g of liquid extract of the rhizome of cinquefoil, 0,4 g of ammonium sulfobituminate, 0,25 g of sodium tetraborate, 4 g of zinc oxide. Complementary substances are white petroleum jelly, lanolin and vanillin. Thormentiol is available in pharmacies without a prescription and its use should be consulted with a doctor or pharmacist.
The rhizome of cinquefoil is an extract from the herb Tormentillae rhizoma, which has numerous effects documented in the Pharmacopoeia – the base of medicinal substances. Applied externally, it has an astringent effect – it tightens the skin, reduces pores. It works by absorbing water, which reduces swelling and exudate, reduces blood vessels and inhibits sebum production. When taken internally, it relieves diarrhea and food poisoning.
Ammonium sulfobituminate is also known as ichthyol. It is responsible for the dark color of the ointment and its characteristic smell. It has a bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Sodium tetraborate has a weak antiseptic, drying and astringent effect. Facilitates granulation of the healing wound. It is slightly absorbed through intact skin. If absorbed into the systemic circulation, it exhibits toxic effects, initially concerned with loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the stools. Its use is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.
Zinc, as a micronutrient, is essential for the proper process of tissue regeneration and wound healing. Taken in the form of zinc oxide, it has astringent and drying properties.
See also: Skin problems – how to deal with them? [WE EXPLAIN]
A thin layer of the ointment should be applied to the affected skin several times a day until the symptoms subside (the recommended single dose of Tormentiol is the amount of ointment about the size of a pea). You can use a maximum of 10 days – due to the accumulation and toxic effects of boric acid derivatives. During application, be careful not to let it get into your eyes.
It is worth noting that due to the dark color of the preparation, clothes get dirty easily. Its use may be associated with the appearance of side effects, usually including local redness, burning and skin irritation. Lanolin, one of the excipients of the preparation, may cause local skin reactions, such as contact dermatitis.
The preparation should be stored in its original packaging, out of the reach of children and at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius). Before each use, check the expiry date on the package.
Tormentiol – contraindications
The preparation must not be used in people with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients, in the case of poor tolerance of boric acid and its derivatives. It is not suitable for the treatment of deep wounds or severely damaged skin. It is not recommended to use it in infants and children under 12 years of age – in local post-vaccination reactions or skin lesions in chicken pox.
The risk of boric acid toxicity is increased in children under 12 years of age, as the absorption of the preparation through the skin is higher than in adolescents and adults. Possible side effects include the harmful effects of boron on future fertility.
Do not use simultaneously with other topical preparations.
The ointment does not affect the ability to drive.
Tormentiol and acne
Due to its low price and easy availability, Thormentiol is readily used in the fight against acne. Despite the lack of an official indication, among patients it enjoys the opinion of being effective in reducing scabs after squeezed pimples. It should be remembered that it must not be used simultaneously with other preparations and not longer than 10 days. Due to its drying properties, it is worth taking care of the proper hydration of the skin and inform the doctor about the use.
See also: Pimples on the face – causes, treatment
Tormentiol and pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is very important that you do not take any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor first. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please inform the prescribing physician. Due to the lack of data, it is not recommended to use the preparation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.