Ichthyol ointment from acne

Does ichthyol ointment help with acne? It helps, because it is an effective bactericidal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent of topical application, and acne is a manifestation of local inflammations in the ducts of sebaceous glands.

[1], [2], [3]

Indications of the ichthyol ointment from acne

Indications for the use of ichthyol ointment include the treatment of superficial and deep inflammatory skin lesions - acne vulgaris, acne, furuncles, carbuncles, erysipelas, recurrent and vesicular eczema, panaritium, abscesses, and pressure sores. The PBX code is D08AX.

[4], [5]

Pharmacodynamics

Ichthyol - ammonium bituminous sulfonate - is a sulfonated shale tar with a high content of sulfur compounds in the form of ammonium salts of organic sulfonic acids.

These compounds provide the pharmacodynamics of the complex effect, which is exerted by 10% ichthyol ointment against acne on the face and ichthyol ointment from subcutaneous acne, as well as 20% ichthyol ointment from the internal pimple ripening in the deeper layers of the skin.

Ammonium salts of sulphonic acids included in the ichthyol are able to penetrate intact skin and, oxidizing, absorb oxygen and liquid, "pulling" purulent exudate accumulating in inflamed tissues, including in the ducts of the sebaceous glands (with subcutaneous and internal pimples). The sulfur compounds act bactericidally, coagulating the membrane proteins of the microbes that cause inflammation. Antibacterial properties of ichthyol ointment are manifested, mainly, in relation to gram-positive microorganisms, the invasion of which is the cause of the appearance of acne.

In addition, ichthyol ointment relieves inflammation not only by local irritation and improving interstitial metabolism, but also by releasing calcium ions, inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species, and blocking leukotriene B4 (a lipid neurotransmitter of inflammation) in neutrophils.

[6], [7]

Pharmacokinetics

Ichthyol ointment is a local remedy, and, referring to the lack of systemic absorption, the pharmacokinetics manufacturers are not represented. Although after long enough use of this ointment in the treatment of acne and acne in the urine, the sulfur content can be increased.

[8]

Dosing and administration

It is recommended to apply the ointment two or three times a day with a thin layer (without rubbing) to the lesions; when treating acne - on their surface. Do not let the ointment get on the mucous membranes.

Overdose of this drug in the instructions is not described, but with its continued use, a skin allergic reaction is possible.

[14], [15], [16]

Contraindications

Ichthyol ointment against acne is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, with infected burns, inflammatory processes with exudation, under 12 years of age.

The use of ichthyol ointment against acne during pregnancy is permitted by the prescription of a dermatologist, if ichthyol ointment is applied from acne on the face.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Side effects of the ichthyol ointment from acne

Possible side effects of ichthyol ointment against acne can be expressed by the appearance on the skin of itching rashes and hyperemia.

Interactions with other drugs

Ichthyol ointment against acne is incompatible with drugs containing any alkaloids and glycosides, as well as ammonium, iodine compounds and salts of heavy metals.

[17], [18], [19], [20], [21]

Storage conditions

Storage conditions: in a dark place, at a temperature of + 15-18 ° C.

[22], [23], [24]

Shelf life

Shelf life is 5 years.

[25]