Dear colleagues;
This week, I will discuss a formula with quite a wide range of indications that can be applied to anal fissures, burns, leg ulcers, and open wounds.
UNGUENTUM CONTRA FISSURAS (OINTMENT FOR FISSURES)
Balsami peruviani ………………. aa 5.0 g
Olei Jecoris Aselli ……………………..10.0 g
Unguentum mollis …………………ad 50.0 g
Ingredients in the formula:
Bismuthi subgallici: Also known as Dermatol. It exhibits weak external antiseptic and astringent effects.
Balsami peruviani: Peru balsam (Balsami peruviani) is a dark, thick liquid obtained by burning the trunk of a tree belonging to the legume family that grows in South America.
It exhibits a mild antiseptic effect due to the cinnamic and benzoic acids it contains. It is used in the treatment of bedsores (pressure ulcers) and chronic ulcers. It notably has antiseptic and cicatrizing (wound-healing) effects in the treatment of burns. It is also included in the composition of some rectal preparations that provide symptomatic relief against hemorrhoids.
Olei jecoris Aselli (Cod liver oil): It is a rich nutritional source of vitamins A and D. It is primarily obtained from the fresh liver of Atlantic cod. Ointments containing fish oil are used for various ulcerated superficial wounds.
Unguentum mollis: Unguentum mollis is a Latin term meaning soft ointment. In this context, White Petrolatum (White Soft Paraffin) can be used in the formula.
Preparation:
Bismuth subgallate (dermatol) is triturated and mixed with cod liver oil (olei jecoris aselli) in a glass mortar. Peru balsam is added onto the mixture. Finally, white petrolatum is incorporated to complete the preparation.
Directions for Use:
If it is to be used in the treatment of anal fissure;
A pea-sized amount of cream is applied to the anal fissure area two to three times a day after defecation, using a sterile glove or finger cot.
To briefly mention the anal fissure condition for which this preparation is frequently used;
It is also termed anal tear, anal crack, or anal fissure. Most commonly, a severe, tearing pain is experienced in the anus. The pain can last up to an hour and recurs with the next passage of stool. Pain is also felt when sitting on a hard surface. Blood streaks may be observed on toilet paper, underwear, or diapers. Itching around the anus is pronounced. Children may withhold bowel movements and refuse to defecate.
While an anal fissure can be located just at the anal verge, in advanced cases it extends towards the posterior midline of the anus. While in the majority of cases the fissure or tear in the anus is superficial, in some it may deepen and reach the anal sphincter muscle. To prevent anal fissures, avoiding excessive straining, increasing dietary fiber intake (consumption of legumes and vegetables), drinking more than 2 liters of water daily, and frequently changing diapers in infants can prevent fissure formation.
It occurs equally in men and women and is frequently observed in the 15–40 age group.
Wishing you a good week…
