Ichthammol Salve

Whether you’re seeking a salve to cure boils, draw out splinters, or soothe a wasp sting, ichthammol salve provides natural relief. A staple of many natural first aid kits, ichthammol salve provides a time-honored treatment for minor skin irritations.

Also called black drawing salve, ichthammol salve contains derivatives of sulfur-rich shale, mixed into a paraffin or beeswax base, to create a skin preparation. Used for decades on humans and animals alike, it’s widely considered a safe topical treatment for minor wounds. A recent paper published by the European Medicines Agency reports that it is safe to use on animals intended for food consumption. Drugs online medical information resource reports no known side effects, although infrequently, people report skin irritation as a side effect of using ichthammol salve.

Ichthammol salve provides many benefits. According to Prescription Drug Info, ichthammol provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal action.

Purchase the salve at many pharmacies, mass merchandise stores, or health food stores nationwide. Some pharmacies keep the preparation behind the counter, so if you don’t see it, ask at the pharmacy counter. It is sold in tubes or tubs. Salve contained in tubes may keep longer because of the airtight container. Look for preparations that contain 10 to 20 percent ichthammol. Salves commonly include other herbal and natural ingredients, such as arnica, calendula, lavender, and glycerin.

Use ichthammol to treat a variety of simple skin problems. As with all herbal and natural preparations, consult your physician if the problem worsens, you have a deep cut or splinter, or you experience an allergic reaction to the salve.

Using salves to treat boils is a time-tested natural cure. Boils, or staphylococcus infections of the hair follicle, frequently occur in the groin, neck, and armpit area. The infected follicle forms a painful, red, pus-filled lump. The area may feel hot to the touch. To draw out the pus, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and use it as a compress. Herbal medicines such as tea tree oil and lavender oil may be added for additional antibacterial treatment and to scent the water. Hold the hot compress onto the boil for 10 minutes every hour. Dry the area thoroughly and apply ichthammol salve to the boil. Cover with a bandage, since ichthammol can stain clothing. The boil should come to a head or heal on its own quickly once you apply the salve.

Wood or glass splinters can be quite painful and cause infection. Use ichthammol salve to draw out the splinter. Clean the area thoroughly using warm water and soap. Dry, then apply salve. Cover with a bandage. The affected area may begin to itch within a day. This usually indicates the splinter is working free from the skin. You may need to use tweezers to pull it out. Apply an antiseptic once the splinter comes out.

Wasps, bees and hornets cause painful stings. To use salves for insect stings, remove the stinger if you can and apply salve to the area. Cover with a bandage. If you notice swelling, have trouble breathing, or know you’re allergic to bee stings, seek medical attention immediately.

Spiders bites cause painful lumps, and some spiders are poisonous. Brown recluse spiders and black widow spiders are the most notorious poisonous spiders. If you believe you’ve been bitten by either species of spider, seek medical treatment from a physician or emergency room promptly. If you can, capture the spider that bit you or take the dead spider in a sealed container with you to the emergency room so the staff can identify the exact type of spider that bit you and treat you with the appropriate anti-venom.

Most spider bites are more painful and annoying than dangerous. Typical spider bites form hard, painful red lumps with a small puncture mark in the center. Ichthammol salve draws out the spider poison. Apply salve to the middle of the bite area, cover with a bandage, and check it again in 12 hours. Apply more salve if necessary. Swelling should go down quickly and any itching or irritation from the bite should decrease.

Ichthammol salve provides effective relief with few side effects. Keep a tube handy for first aid treatment, and use this remedy for common skin ailments.

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