Formic alcohol: application, price

Formic alcohol is a medical product, which contains only two ingredients: formic acid and ethyl alcohol, in which it is dissolved. The concentration of the active component in 70% alcohol is 1.4%. This means that 98.6 g of auxiliaries (ethanol) account for 1.4 g of formic acid. The given preparation is issued in dark glass small bottles in volume of 50 ml and in drugstores is released without the recipe.

The active substance is formic acid

Formic alcohol, use, price, contra-indications of which will be described in detail in the article, contains the same acid as the active component. It is a colorless liquid with a specific odor. In the 17th century, John Ray, a naturalist from England, isolated this substance from red ants, which determined its name.

Later it was found out that formic acid is contained not only in the secret of ants, but also in bees, and also is found in nettles, sorrel, needles, some sweet and sour fruit.

This substance is also registered as a food additive, since it has antibacterial and preservative properties, thus slowing the decay processes.

It is clear that, despite the content of formic acid in nature, on an industrial scale it is synthesized artificially. So, this substance is formed (though, as a by-product) in the process of production of acetic acid. There are other opportunities for its production in the chemical industry.

Formic alcohol: use in medicine

As a medical preparation, the solution of formic acid in ethanol is used for injuries of muscles and joints, neuralgia, arthritis, gout and rheumatism. This is due to its locally irritating, distracting action, the ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation and cellular nutrition of tissues. After applying this remedy, the pain syndrome weakens, the inflammatory processes decrease significantly.

Formic alcohol, the use of which is strictly contraindicated, is used externally as follows: it is rubbed, massaged, into a painful area 2 to 4 times a day, after which a clean cloth is applied and the warm scarf is tied around this part of the body to enhance the effect.

The antiseptic effect of ant alcohol makes it possible to use it for disinfection of medical instruments, treatment of surfaces and premises. Successfully used the drug and for the destruction of mold.

Security

Exclusively for external use, a drug such as formic alcohol is prescribed. Application inside of it is first of all inexpedient, and health is capable to do much harm. There is information that formic acid in concentrations of up to 10% has only an irritant effect, and only higher - corrosive. Nevertheless, it is not worth risking, if there is no desire to earn a gastritis or ulcer. In addition, formic acid in significant quantities affects the optic nerve, and as a result, can cause blindness. It should also avoid the ingestion of formic alcohol on the mucous membranes and skin that is damaged or irritated.

Formic alcohol - application in cosmetology

This remedy is very popular for treating various skin defects: from acne to boils. But before applying it to the face, it is recommended to conduct a test for a possible allergic reaction, having smeared with a small amount of alcohol a patch of skin in the problem area. If no redness is found in a day and an itch appears, you can try it as a remedy for acne.

There are a number of nuances. Firstly, before the treatment, the skin should not be further cleaned, otherwise the procedure can not avoid its peeling. With a dry type of facial skin from the use of this drug is better to abstain. Secondly, alcohol in its pure form should not be used: the drug is diluted with boiled water in half and only then applied by means of a cotton disc to the problem areas. The alcohol will quickly evaporate, and after that it is recommended to moisturize the skin with cream. As a rule, improvement occurs after 2-3 weeks. But to take a great interest in such a remedy as ant alcohol, the use of which very much drains the skin, dermatologists do not advise dermatologists for more than four weeks. Even if you have achieved good results, it is worth taking a break for a month and a half before you repeat the course of treatment for acne.

Contraindications

As with any medical device, individual intolerance to a drug such as formic alcohol is possible. In this case, its application is absolutely contraindicated. Before external use it is necessary to check the integrity of the skin and not to use a means for disinfecting wounds, abrasions, cuts and traces from injections. Doctors also do not recommend ant alcohol during pregnancy and lactation - at least for lack of research on this topic.

Price of issue

If there is evidence to use a drug such as formic alcohol, its application will not be made difficult by the very democratic cost of the drug, which, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 10 to 25 rubles.