Ichthammol ointment, BP 1980

How does it work?

This ointment contains three main ingredients, ichthammol, yellow soft paraffin and wool fat. Ichthammol is a sulphurous, tarry product that is mildly antiseptic. It reduces itching, and also reduces the excessive hardening and thickening of the skin seen in chronic lichenified eczema. It is not fully understood how it works, but it prevents the process by which skin cells become hard, thickened and scaly due to the deposition of the protein keratin within them (keratinisation). Yellow soft paraffin and wool fat (a waxy substance obtained from the wool of sheep) are both fats that provide a layer of oil on the surface of the skin. They prevent water evaporating from the skin surface, thus retaining moisture in the skin and helping the ichthammol penetrate dry scaly areas of skin.

What is it used for?

Chronic eczema with leathery thickening of the skin (lichenification)

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy.

This preparation may be used safely by breastfeeding mothers, providing it is not applied to the breasts prior to breastfeeding. This will avoid ingestion by the infant.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin irritation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no interactions with this medicine.

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