Introduction
A furuncle can develop from an inflammation of the hair follicles, which is mostly caused by bacteria. This is an encapsulated accumulation of pus. An inflammatory painful nodule develops near the hair roots.
If a small boil occurs, the doctor usually first prescribes a boil ointment to treat it. If the boil is very large, however, it may also be necessary to cut it open. The most frequently prescribed boil ointment is the pulling ointment. It is available from different manufacturers with different trade names such as Ilon® Classic or Ichtholan® and is freely available so that it can be bought without a prescription.
Which ointments are available over the counter?
There are numerous furuncle ointments that can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. All traction ointments, for example Ichtholan® Ointment with ammonium bituminosulfonate or other ointments such as Betaisodona® Ointment with povidone-iodine or the predominantly plant-based Ilon® Ointment are popular ointments for boils that can be obtained without a prescription. The antiseptic Bepanthen® Ointment can also be applied to boils and can be found in every pharmacy.
Ichtholan®
Ichtholan® is a traction ointment that has proven its worth for many years in the treatment of hair follicle inflammation and other infections of the nail bed and sweat glands. It contains the active ingredient ammonium bituminosulfonate. It is available in different doses such as 20 and 50%.
Its mode of action is based on three different components, which help to fight the inflammation faster. Ichtholan® is often referred to as a traction ointment because it helps the body to reduce the inflammation. The ointment causes the inflammation to shift further towards the surface.
This allows the pus of the furuncle to drain off more quickly and at the same time the painful pressure of the inflammation is reduced. Once the pus of the furuncle is removed, the body can fight the focus of the inflammation more easily in the next step and the healing of the inflammation proceeds faster. In addition, the Ichtholan® ointment also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
If regularly treated by applying it to the affected skin area several times a day, it can counteract the typical signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling and also pain. It also helps the body to fight the bacteria in the area of inflammation. This relieves the immune system and the inflammation heals faster and cannot spread further.
The ointment should be applied to the inflamed area and covered with a plaster or bandage. The bandage can be changed several times a day or remain for a maximum of three days. If the dressing is changed, new and clean dressing material should be used afterwards.
Before applying the fresh ointment, the old ointment residue should also be removed, as it may contain bacteria. It can be applied at the first signs of furuncle and therefore has a preventive effect. It can be purchased at the pharmacy, where you can get more information about its application.
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