Compress treatment is the process of applying a multi-layer soaked bandage to a sore spot. There are alcohol, water, oil, dry, warming and cold compresses. In this article we will look at alcohol ones.
They have hundreds of purposes, but here are the main ones:
- painkiller;
- absorbable;
- anti-inflammatory.
Alcohol dressings have a warming effect. They are useful in the treatment of bruises, sprains, coughs, mild otitis media, back pain, and radiculitis.
Instructions for use
The instructions for the product contain general information about the methods of use, composition and contraindications for the use of the drug. Additionally, the manufacturer notes the conditions and shelf life of the solution, the nuances of drug interactions with other pharmaceuticals, and the precautions that should be taken when applying the product to the skin.
pharmachologic effect
Formic alcohol is a synthetic drug with pronounced local irritant and antiseptic properties. Additionally, the drug has an anti-inflammatory effect. When in contact with the skin, it affects nerve endings, stimulates them and reduces pain.
Listed below are the properties of formic acid
Pharmacological properties:
- activation of the release of peptides and dynorphins;
- local irritant effect;
- pain relief;
- improvement of tissue trophism;
- irritating-distracting effect;
- reduction in the intensity of certain inflammatory processes;
- stimulation of cellular nutrition of tissues;
- activation of blood flow in the skin;
- stimulation of regenerative processes;
- vasodilation;
- cleansing and disinfecting effect;
- inhibition of degenerative processes in joints;
- analgesic effect.
Release form and composition
Formic alcohol is produced in the form of a clear liquid with a specific odor. The basis of the solution is formic acid . In the medical literature, this substance may be referred to under a second name - methanoic acid .
The product is obtained by organic synthesis. An additional ingredient is ethyl alcohol. There are no other auxiliary components in the solution. The drug arrives at pharmacy counters in bottles of 30.50, 80 or 100 ml.
Indications for use
The remedy is used for pain syndromes. The solution is for external use only. Indications for its use are degenerative processes in joints and bones, cartilage pathologies, damage to peripheral nerves and pain during muscle contraction.
The medicine can be rubbed into areas of pain or used to make medicinal bandages.
Formic alcohol is good for degenerative joint pathologies
Indications for use:
- arthrosis;
- rheumatism;
- thrombophlebitis;
- periarthritis;
- salt deposits in the joints;
- polyarthritis;
- myalgia;
- osteocondritis of the spine;
- arthritis;
- tendon damage;
- phlebeurysm;
- joint and bone injuries;
- convulsive conditions;
- neuralgic manifestations.
It is acceptable to use formic alcohol in the treatment of certain dermatological pathologies. The list of indications includes acne, acne and boils. An exception is diseases associated with a violation of the integrity of the epidermis. If alcohol gets into open wounds it will cause pain and irritation.
Directions for use and dosage
When applying Formic Alcohol to a painful area, it is recommended to use a cotton pad. A small amount of solution is rubbed into the skin with massage movements. A similar scheme is used in the treatment of dermatological diseases from the list of indications.
Procedures can be repeated up to four times a day for pain and once a day for skin problems. When using the product, it is important to take precautions (the liquid should not come into contact with wounds or other damage to the skin, as well as mucous membranes) .
Interaction with other pharmaceuticals
The nuances of drug interactions between Formic Alcohol and other pharmaceuticals are not described in the instructions. If the solution is used in combination with other medications for external use, then it is necessary to maintain a time interval between procedures (at least thirty minutes).
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How formic alcohol relieves inflammation and helps joints
Those who have had to deal with joint diseases know that often severe pain cannot be relieved by anything, and movement becomes painful. In days of exacerbations, everything comes into play, and if it is not possible to use medications, then a long process of research begins on folk remedies that could help. But is there such a remedy that could be found both in the recipes of our ancestors and in a modern pharmacy? We answer: yes. This is formic acid.
It is easy to guess that this substance owes its name to insects from the order Hymenoptera. At the end of the 17th century, scientist John Ray conducted an experiment by heating a large number of ants in a flask and passing a stream of water vapor through it. This created a solution of acid that the ants secreted to sting. But pure acid was obtained only at the very end of the 19th century.
Nevertheless, without knowing it, our ancestors very often encountered this substance in nature: not only through contact with stinging ants, caterpillars or bees.
The acid is also found in some plants, and since it has stinging properties, you can probably assume that one of these plants is nettle. It is precisely because nettle contains a small proportion (up to 1.34%) of this substance that we get minor burns upon contact with it. Even 10% formic acid in a solution causes irritation on the skin, and higher levels simply begin to corrode it. In this case, imagine what a 100% concentrated acid can do to your skin! It releases vapors that lead to burns of the respiratory tract, mucous membranes and causes chemical burns.
That is why the acid is practically not used in its pure form, but its solutions are used.
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In medicine, formic alcohol is used, which contains only 1.4 g of acid, and its other component is alcohol, most often 70%. Fortunately, now no one dissolves ants, and there is no need to make nettle squeezes - scientists have long learned to obtain all the necessary components using the synthesis of chemicals.
Formic alcohol is a transparent substance with a pungent odor. It is used only externally; any attempt at internal use will end in a hospital bed.
Formic alcohol is sold in any pharmacy, and its cost usually does not exceed 30 rubles. This is where we come to joint diseases. This remedy is used externally to rub the affected joints.
What diseases does this drug help with? Indications for use include various joint lesions:
- arthralgia - joint pain without visible signs of inflammation;
- mono- and polyarthritis - inflammation of one or more joints, which can occur due to injuries, infections, metabolic and other problems;
- periarthritis is inflammation of adjacent tissues of large joints.
To cope with the symptoms of joint diseases, it is enough to rub the affected area three times a day (no more) or make a compress with formic alcohol or an ointment that contains it, for example, “Muravyvit” gel-balm.
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Formic alcohol has a good disinfecting effect, so preparations containing it are used for disinfection. In the treatment of joint ailments, this property will not be superfluous - skin affected by inflammation is very prone to injury.
But the main effect of drugs based on this substance is, of course, different. They have two very important properties:
- locally irritating. The effect of the drugs is based on the fact that they increase blood flow at the site of rubbing or compress. This improves tissue trophism. Trophics are nutritional processes that help tissue perform its functions and maintain properties. So, the locally irritating effect of formic alcohol is very important in the treatment of joints;
- anti-inflammatory. This property of formic alcohol helps to activate receptors that are responsible for the release of hormones, which in turn are responsible for pain. This creates a “distraction effect” that helps suppress pain impulses.
In addition, preparations containing formic alcohol have warming and vasodilating properties, which also help relieve pain.
Of course, no remedy is without contraindications, and medications containing this substance are no exception.
The use of products with formic alcohol is contraindicated for:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- manifestations of allergies to components contained in medications, in particular to alcohol itself;
- thin sensitive skin;
- skin damage due to eczema, dermatitis or other skin diseases;
- diseases of an inflammatory and infectious nature that manifest themselves in the area of skin located directly at the site of joint damage.
Even if you are not one of those who are contraindicated from using such drugs, there is a prohibition for you too: apply ointments based on formic alcohol only to intact skin, otherwise you will get a burn. If there are scratches, cracks, or even more so open wounds at the site of the joint damage, choose another remedy for treatment.
In any case, before using a drug that you have not encountered before, it is best to consult your doctor.
Main photo: pixabay.com
Side effects
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Next fact
An undesirable reaction of the body to formic alcohol can manifest itself in the form of characteristic irritations on the skin . The consequence of individual intolerance to the solution is peeling of the skin, rashes reminiscent of allergies and accompanied by itching. Formic alcohol can cause dry skin.
Overdose
Long-term use of formic alcohol leads to characteristic manifestations of side symptoms. Signs of irritation appear on the skin. The solution can be used a certain number of times a day.
Violation of the manufacturer's recommendations may cause an allergic reaction to the drug (further use of the drug will be prohibited).
Contraindications
Formic alcohol should not be used to treat skin wounds. The solution can only be used for external use (the drug cannot be taken orally, instilled in the ears or treated at injection sites).
Formic alcohol should not be used on damaged skin areas or injection sites. The drug will provoke serious adverse reactions and increase pain. Before using Formic Alcohol, it is recommended to conduct a sensitivity test.
If, with minimal contact with the solution, redness or rashes appear on the skin, then its further use is prohibited.
Other contraindications:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- inflammatory diseases of the skin;
- allergic skin rashes;
- exacerbation of eczema;
- individual intolerance.
During pregnancy and lactation
During the lactation period and pregnancy, the use of formic alcohol is prohibited. A woman's body is highly sensitive during pregnancy. Formic acid and ethanol can cause unwanted reactions.
How to make a compress solution
An important part when preparing for the procedure is the choice of alcohol. Pure alcohol is suitable for warming dressings. An alternative is camphor alcohol, formic alcohol or vodka. A prerequisite is to dilute it to a strength of less than 40% (preferably 20-25%), otherwise there will be a burn.
You cannot take as a basis: alcohol infusions, moonshine (distillate) and other alcohol with impurities. If absorbed into the skin, at least an allergy may occur.
Alcohol is also mixed with honey. Honey also has a warming effect and will increase the effectiveness of the procedure.
Advice.
Alcohol in pharmacies either costs as much as a car, or it is not there at all. Vodka is not as effective as alcohol, and we also don’t know what’s in it.
How to get out of this situation? Make pure alcohol at home. Yes, it is possible, and also economical. There are distillation columns on sale that produce highly purified alcohol. When diluted, this is suitable for both compresses and homemade healing tinctures.
special instructions
Impact on the ability to drive a car and operate dangerous machinery
The action of formic alcohol extends to the skin. When used correctly, the solution is not capable of causing side symptoms associated with impaired concentration.
Use in childhood
It is not recommended to use Formic Alcohol for children under three years of age. In this age category of patients, the skin is characterized by increased sensitivity. The solution may cause serious irritation of the epidermis or allergic reactions. The risk of a negative skin reaction decreases upon reaching twelve years of age.
For kidney problems
There are no special instructions for the use of formic alcohol for kidney dysfunction in the instructions. The product is intended for rubbing into the skin. It does not affect the functioning of internal organs.
For liver disorders
The alcohol solution is rubbed into the skin and does not affect the functioning of the liver. There are no special instructions for using the drug for liver dysfunction in the instructions.
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How to make an alcohol-based compress correctly
We need:
- gauze;
- alcohol base;
- cellophane;
- cotton wool;
- bandage;
- something warm (scarf, for example).
Procedure
- Lubricate the area with thick cream before applying.
- Fold the gauze in several layers and soak it generously in alcohol base.
- Attach to the desired location.
- Cover the gauze with plastic. Place cotton wool on top and, if necessary, wrap the area with a bandage for convenience.
- Create additional warmth with a scarf or other warm fabric.
- We keep it for up to three hours. If you want it longer, do it, but change the compress every 3 hours.
Important:
Do you apply a compress to your chest? Do not touch the heart area, it is dangerous.
After removing the compress, it is advisable not to go outside for another 12 hours.
Analogs
The composition of Formic Alcohol is unique. This product can be replaced with drugs for external use with identical pharmacological properties (preparations from
There are no exact analogues of Formic Alcohol (categories of analgesics or antiseptics). The scheme for using such funds may differ.
Examples of analogues:
- Camphor oil (from 40 rubles);
- Larkspur (from 50 rubles);
- Salvisar (140 rubles);
- Espol (180 rubles);
- Golden Star balm (from 100 rubles);
- Formic acid (40 rubles).