Ichthyol, also known as ichthammol or ammonium bitumen sulfonate, has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions.
It was primarily used to treat boils, abscesses, and wounds. Over time, its applications expanded to include the treatment of other skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. Today, ichthyol continues to be used for similar purposes, both in traditional and modern medical practices. It is available in the form of ointments, creams, soaps, and shampoos.
What is Ichthyol?
Ichthyol is a thick, dark, syrup-like substance. Its name is derived from the Greek word “ichthys,” meaning fish, as it was initially obtained from oil shale deposits containing fossilized fish remains.
The source of present-day ichthyol is the same; however, to get a final product, it has to go through a complicated process called destructive distillation:
1. The starting material is oil shale or bituminous rocks that contain organic matter, including fossilized remains. These rocks are mined or quarried to extract the organic-rich material.
2. The extracted material is then heated in the absence of oxygen at high temperatures. This heating causes the organic matter to break down and release various volatile compounds.
3. The volatile compounds released during heating are condensed and collected. Among these compounds is the dark, viscous substance known as ichthyol.
4. The collected ichthyol undergoes refining processes to remove impurities and ensure its quality.
The exact details of ichthyol production may vary depending on the specific manufacturer and their proprietary methods. However, the overall process involves heating the organic-rich material to obtain the valuable ichthyol substance.
How does ichthyol help with dry ear skin?
Ichthyol contains sulfur-rich compounds, hydrocarbons, and ammonium salts. These compounds give ichthyol its unique properties.
- Anti-inflammatory properties. Sulfur-containing compounds in ichthyol help reduce redness, swelling, and itching of the skin.
- Antimicrobial activity. The sulfur compounds in ichthyol have antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections.
- Keratolytic action. Hydrocarbons in ichthyol act as carriers for active ingredients, moisturize the skin, and promote the healing of wounds caused by scratching, for example. They allow ichthyol to soften and loosen the outer layer of dead skin cells, promoting their shedding and removing flaking.
- Therapeutic Benefits. Sulfur-rich compounds help in soothing damaged skin and promoting skin regeneration and wound healing.
- Stability and Solubility: Ammonium salts in ichthyol provide stability, solubility, and pH regulation, ensuring its effectiveness and compatibility with the skin.
Common Uses of Ichthyol
Ichthyol finds application in various medical and cosmetic contexts due to its therapeutic qualities.
- Treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, boils, and dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Wound care (minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions), such as ichthyol, helps with tissue regeneration, infection prevention, and acceleration of the healing process.
- Hair and scalp care, particularly in addressing conditions like flaking, dryness, dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. It helps reduce itching, inflammation, and excess sebum production.
How does ichthyol work on the skin?
When applied topically, ichthyol exhibits the following positive effects:
- Drawing properties: it helps draw out impurities, toxins, dirt, and excess sebum from the skin.
- Soothing and calming: ichthyol has a soothing effect on inflamed or irritated skin, providing relief from itching and redness.
- Promoting healing: by stimulating circulation and tissue regeneration, ichthyol accelerates the healing process of damaged or wounded skin and reduces scarring.
Dry Ear Skin Ointment Preparation, with ichthyol as an active ingredient, is specifically designed to address flaking, dryness, and itching inside and around the ears. Its therapeutic properties help soothe, shed, and heal the skin, providing relief from discomfort.
