Treatment of boils with ointments: with antibiotic, drawing out pus

Furuncles - simply put, abscesses, or boils - usually appear suddenly, quickly increasing in size due to the pus accumulating in their cavity. An abscess can appear almost anywhere: on the back, neck, face, armpits. Many people mistakenly take a furuncle for an ordinary pimple, which, in their opinion, will go away on its own. This is not entirely true: a furuncle is much more dangerous than a pimple and can lead to serious consequences, including septic complications. Therefore, it needs to be treated, and the sooner the better. And a properly selected ointment for boils can help with this.

Indications boil ointments

The development of a furuncle occurs in stages and is divided into several important stages:

1. Infiltrative stage – characterized by reddening of the skin around the hair follicle. The reddened area gradually swells and thickens, the diameter of the formed compaction increases, reaching 3-5 cm.
2. Suppuration is the period when a peculiar rod is formed in the center of the compaction, which looks like a purulent elevation protruding above the skin surface. This stage is accompanied by increasing intoxication: the temperature may rise, and sharp pain appears in the furuncle. The final stage of the stage is considered to be the spontaneous or forced opening of the capsule with pus, when the rod comes to the surface.
3. Healing is the most positive stage, during which the pain subsides, the skin acquires a natural color, and the swelling decreases until it disappears completely. A scar of varying sizes forms at the site of the boil opening.

Ointments for boils can be used at virtually any stage of the inflammatory process. However, at each stage, an ointment corresponding to the given period is prescribed.

So, at the first stage, an ointment will be useful, the action of which is aimed at stimulating the maturation of the boil and its opening.

At the second stage, an ointment for boils will be appropriate, drawing out pus with a core from its cavity.

At the third stage, healing ointments are used to accelerate the regeneration of deep and superficial tissues.

[ 1 ]

Release form

Modern medicine has a large number of external medications that help in the fight against boils. Each drug is effective at a certain stage of the inflammatory process.

Ointments for boils also differ by the location of the inflamed element. For example, if a boil has formed in the mucous membrane area (for example, in the nasal cavity or on the genitals), the ointment should be as non-aggressive as possible so as not to irritate the mucous membrane. Such ointments include synthomycin and heparin ointments: these preparations activate the "maturation" of the abscess and easily remove the purulent contents, preventing its further spread.

Ointment that draws pus from a boil:

• Ichthyol ointment is one of the most effective ointments for boils, as it is both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. The only drawback of ichthyol ointment is its smell, so not all patients agree to treatment with this drug. Ichthyol ointment has virtually no side effects and, if the dosage is observed, is not accompanied by negative symptoms.
• Heparin ointment, when applied to the boil area, allows for the expansion of superficial vessels, which leads to optimal absorption of other active components of the drug. In addition to the vasodilating effect, heparin ointment effectively eliminates pain, serves as an antiseptic, and contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components.
• Vishnevsky ointment for boils has been used for many decades. This drug is still relevant today: it is inexpensive and at the same time very effective. The action of the ointment is based on the stimulation of local metabolism due to locally irritating components. As a result, the boil matures in a short time and opens up with the removal of pathological contents to the outside. The use of the ointment does not end there: it continues to be applied to the wound to completely stop the inflammatory process and cleanse the wound surface of dead tissue particles. In most cases, when using Vishnevsky ointment, the boil opens up and heals within 2-3 days.

Ointment for boils with antibiotic:

• Syntomycin ointment contains chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The ointment is used to treat boils several times a day. The drug is not suitable for long-term use, as microbes can develop resistance to the drug.
• Tetracycline ointment is a popular budget drug that is often prescribed by doctors to get rid of boils. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that has a destructive effect on the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms, destroying their cells. The ointment is applied under a bandage for several hours. It is preferable to change the dressing every 6-8 hours.
• Oflokain is a universal ointment for boils on the face and other parts of the body. Oflokain has high-quality antimicrobial, anti-edematous and analgesic properties. The main component of this ointment for boils is the antibiotic ofloxacin, which stops the proliferation of bacteria and inhibits further development of the inflammatory reaction. An additional ingredient of the ointment is lidocaine, a well-known anesthetic substance. Lidocaine almost instantly relieves pain, improving the general condition of the patient. The ointment can be used several times a day, as needed.
• Bactroban is an ointment for boils in the nose and more. Bactroban is effective and safe, it is prescribed to both adults and children, due to the absence of pronounced contraindications and side effects. The main ingredient of the ointment is mupirocin - an antimicrobial agent that has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora. Ointment for boils is usually spread over the affected surface in a thin layer, then covered with a bandage.

Ointment for the resorption of boils (healing ointment):

• Zinc ointment is represented by such components as zinc oxide and petroleum jelly. The main action of zinc ointment is drying, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. In addition, the ointment also has a hygroscopic property, which allows you to speed up the healing process and restore the skin. Zinc ointment is safe: it can be used without restrictions to get rid of boils in childhood and during pregnancy.
• Sulfur ointment is a local dermatological agent with antimicrobial and antiparasitic action. When sulfur ointment is applied to a wound formed after opening a boil, complex compounds with antiseptic properties are formed. The ointment can be used by all patients starting from the age of 3. The drug is not used on mucous membranes.

In addition to those listed, there are other equally effective ointments for boils. For example, ointments for boils such as Gentaksan, Bepanten, Solcoseryl, Baneocin, Dexpanthenol, Pantoderm, Eplan effectively heal wounds and restore skin. To choose the most suitable drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Treatment of boils with Levomekol ointment

Levomekol ointment is most in demand as a remedy for treating boils. The active ingredients of the ointment are methyluracil and chloramphenicol - substances that help stop the inflammatory process and restore tissue.

Levomekol ointment for boils is used as follows:

• The boil site is treated with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, a solution of chlorhexidine or regular vodka.
• Apply a sufficient layer of ointment to the boil, apply a bandage or a piece of gauze folded several times on top. Secure with a bandage or adhesive tape.
• The bandage is changed 2-3 times a day until the abscess opens and the purulent contents come out. After that, the wound is treated with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and the bandage with Levomekol ointment is applied again.

It is optimal to use Levomekol ointment for boils for no more than 4 days.

[ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacological properties of ointments for boils are very different: this is what allows them to be used at different stages of the inflammatory process. However, there are ointments that can be used at almost any stage: for example, the well-known Vishnevsky liniment. The drug is unique, first of all, in its composition, which is represented by birch tar, castor oil, xeroform and bismuth tribromophenolate.

Liniment is considered an excellent antiseptic that softens inflamed tissues, penetrates into the deep layers and has a healing effect both externally and internally.

Vishnevsky ointment helps in the treatment of purulent and erosive surfaces: it disinfects, dries wounds, promotes active tissue regeneration even in advanced cases.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Pharmacokinetics

The kinetic properties of ointments for boils are rarely described, since such medications do not have a systemic effect and are used exclusively locally.

Most of the active components of ointments for boils have a local effect, directly affecting the inflammatory focus. Due to this, further development of the inflammatory reaction is blocked, the temperature decreases, swelling and redness disappear.

If some of the substances penetrate into the systemic bloodstream through damaged skin, then this amount of the drug is not considered clinically significant and cannot have a pronounced systemic effect.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Dosing and administration

As a rule, ointments for boils are applied under a bandage or gauze napkin, always at night. The bandage must be changed periodically and daily, achieving complete healing of the boil (approximately 4 days). If necessary, if the wound is not sufficiently cleansed of purulent and necrotic elements, treatment is continued.

Read also:

• Antibiotics for boils
• Treatment of boils at home

Use boil ointments during pregnancy

To get rid of boils during pregnancy, it is permissible to use such drugs as Levomekol and Vishnevsky ointment. However, only a doctor should prescribe these drugs.

Other drugs may be used only after careful assessment of the potential benefits and risks to the growing fetus, regardless of whether the drug enters the systemic circulation.

It is prohibited to use any medications, including external ones, during pregnancy without a doctor’s prescription.

Contraindications

Ointments for boils cannot be prescribed:

• in case of increased sensitivity of the body to the ingredients of the ointment;
• for psoriasis, eczema;
• for fungal skin lesions (applies to antibacterial ointments).

Ointments for boils are prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women, since the effect of such drugs on fetal development has not been fully studied.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Side effects boil ointments

During treatment with ointments for boils, allergic processes may occur, which manifest themselves in the form of:

• skin rash;
• itching sensations;
• burning sensation;
• increased swelling;
• redness of the skin;
• angioedema;
• allergic urticaria, dermatitis;
• deterioration of the general condition.

In these cases, you should stop using the ointment and consult your doctor.

[ 12 ]

Overdose

Overdose of ointments for boils may be accompanied by increased side effects. Long-term (more than 5 days) use of Levomekol ointment may lead to sensitization processes, which are expressed in the appearance of hypersensitivity with subsequent uses of this medication.

The duration of treatment with ointments for boils should be agreed upon with the doctor. In no case should you make any adjustments to the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Interactions with other drugs

It is not recommended to combine ointments for boils on one area of skin with other external medications - ointments or creams. As a result of such combinations, new substances and compounds may be formed, the effect of which may be unpredictable.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Storage conditions

Ointments for boils are stored in the refrigerator in most cases, but these preparations should never be frozen. Ointments are given a special shelf where children cannot get them. Preparations should be securely sealed to prevent them from getting into contact with food products.

It is important to read the instructions for a specific drug: some ointments (for example, Levomekol) can be stored at normal room temperature, in dark places.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Shelf life

The shelf life of ointments for boils varies – from about 2 to 5 years. Therefore, it is recommended to check this fact before purchasing the drug. Ointments for boils are purchased in pharmacies, without a prescription.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ]