Do you remember when you were a child, when you ate an ant or got bitten by a spider and your leg swelled up, your mother would apply a black, special-smelling medicine? Most of the time, that medicine is what we are going to talk about, Ichthammol. Some people also call it "black medicine." Although it is an indispensable thing in our medicine cabinet at home, many people do not use it with full knowledge. So today, like your friend, we will talk about this medicine from A to Z in a simple way.
So, what is Ichthammol?
Simply put, ichthammol is a topical ointment. It is popularly known as a 'Drawing Salve' among our people. This means that it 'draws up' something like poison or pus from within the skin, helping the wound heal faster.
This is mainly used for things like:
- When bitten by insects: Reduce swelling, itching, and pain caused by animal bites such as ants, mosquitoes, wasps, and wasps.
- Minor skin infections: For example, this can help drain the pus from a small skin boil.
- When stuck with something like a small needle: Sometimes, there is a belief that if you rub this around it, it will be easier to remove.
The most important thing is, this should only be used for minor skin problems . Do not apply this to large, deep wounds, or large animal bites. In such cases, you should definitely see a doctor.
Be careful of these things before using the medicine.
Although this can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, there are a few things you should tell your doctor before using it. These are very important.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Some medications during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby. Therefore, do not use any medication, no matter how small, without first consulting your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some of the medications you take can pass to your baby through breast milk. So inform your doctor about this as well.
- If you have other allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine in the past, to another medicine, to a food, or to a dye, you should definitely tell us about it.
- If you have burned or large areas of damaged skin: This is not suitable for use on large burns or large wounds that have been cut open.
Remember, these things are not meant to scare you, but for your safety. Because not all medications work the same for everyone.
How exactly do you use this?
Okay, now let's see how to sing this exactly. Follow these steps.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. (If you are applying the medicine to a wound on your hand, wash your hands only before applying.)
2. Clean the skin: Wash the area where the medicine will be applied with clean water and a mild soap, and pat dry with a clean cloth.
3. Apply thinly: Don't try to cover the wound with a lot of medicine from the tube. You want to apply a very thin film .
4. Cover (if necessary): After applying the medicine, it is a good idea to cover it with a clean piece of gauze or bandage. This will prevent the medicine from getting on your clothes and from spreading germs to the wound.
Very important: This medicine is for topical use only . Do not put it in your mouth, swallow it, or get it in your eyes for any reason. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| General use | Apply a thin layer once or twice a day for insect bites, small boils, and minor skin infections. |
| If it gets into the eye | Immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water. If eye redness or pain persists, see a doctor. |
| Overdose | If someone accidentally uses too much of this or swallows it, immediately take them to the nearest hospital ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. |
| If you miss a dose | This is not a medication that you take on a daily basis. You only take it when you need it, so you don't have to worry about missing doses. |
Are there any side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But don't worry, most of the time these are not serious.
Side effects that require immediate medical attention
Although these are very rare, if you do, you should stop using the medicine immediately and see a doctor. These may be signs of an allergic reaction .
- Skin rash or eczema-like condition
- Severe itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (this is an emergency as it can cause difficulty breathing)
Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about
These usually go away in a few days. But if they persist, or if they bother you, tell your doctor.
- Slight change in skin color where the medicine was applied.
- Minor burning or itching.
Medicine storage and disposal
As well as using medications, it is important to store them properly and dispose of them when they expire.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius), tightly closed, out of reach of children and pets . Do not store in damp areas such as bathrooms.
- Stains on clothes: Remember, this black medicine can leave yellow stains on your clothes, especially white ones. That's why it's recommended to cover it with a bandage. If a stain does appear, wash it with a good laundry soap.
- Disposing of expired medicine: If you have an expired medicine tube, don't just throw it in the trash. Squeeze the medicine out of the tube onto an old piece of newspaper, mix it with some soil and used tea leaves, put it in a small bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. This will prevent a child or animal from accidentally ingesting it.
Take-Home Message
- Ichthammol is a topical medicine only. Never put it in your mouth or swallow it.
- This is only suitable for minor things like insect bites, small skin rashes, and minor infections. Do not use it on larger wounds.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any other medical conditions, be sure to consult your doctor before using this.
- If allergic symptoms such as skin rash, swelling, or severe itching occur, stop using the medicine and see a doctor immediately.
- If the wound does not heal or worsens after a few days of applying the medicine, be sure to seek medical advice.
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