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Pommade Icthyolee 10%

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Pommade Icthyolee 10%

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Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Pommade Icthyolee 10%

What is Pommade Icthyolee 10%?

Pommade Icthyolee 10% is a topical dermatological preparation formulated for the treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions. It is classified as an antiseptic and emollient ointment, primarily characterized by its active ingredient, ammonium bituminosulfonate, which is derived from sulfur-rich shale oil.

Composition and Properties

The ointment contains a 10% concentration of ammonium bituminosulfonate (also known as Ichthammol) in an excipient base, typically consisting of petrolatum or lanolin. This substance is recognized for several therapeutic properties:

  • Mild Antiseptic Action: It helps limit the proliferation of certain microorganisms on the skin surface.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: It assists in reducing localized swelling and redness associated with skin lesions.
  • Keratoplastic Activity: It supports the natural process of skin softening and may aid in the maturation of abscesses or boils.

Common Applications

This preparation is used in various dermatological contexts to manage localized skin irritations and infections. Its primary applications include:

  • Abscesses and Boils: Facilitating the process of "drawing out" or ripening a boil to allow for natural drainage.
  • Inflammatory Dermatosis: Managing symptoms of localized inflammation in conditions such as psoriasis or chronic eczema.
  • Infected Skin Lesions: Serving as an adjunctive treatment for minor skin infections where a soothing, protective barrier is required.

Mechanism of Action

When applied to the skin, Pommade Icthyolee 10% works by increasing blood flow to the affected area (mild hyperemia) and softening the keratin layer of the skin. This dual action helps the body’s natural immune response to localize and address the underlying inflammation or infection. The ointment also provides a protective physical layer that prevents external contaminants from further irritating the sensitive site.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MeSH: Dermatologic Agents
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What side effects are possible with Pommade Icthyolee 10%?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following safety information details the officially documented adverse effects and safety characteristics of products containing Ichthammol (Ammonium bituminosulfonate), based strictly on government regulatory sources (e.g., FDA-linked labeling and European SmPC equivalents).


Documented Adverse Reactions

The adverse reactions officially documented in regulatory labeling primarily involve the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders system organ class. The frequency of most effects is often categorized as Not Known or Occasionally.

System Organ Class Documented Adverse Reactions
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Skin irritation at the application site
Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity)
Redness, Swelling, or Localized Pain (if persistent)

Official Safety Constraints

The official safety profile places strict constraints on application to mitigate risk and specifies situations for product discontinuation.

  • Contraindications: The ointment is strictly contraindicated for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Ichthammol or any of the product’s components.
  • Usage Restrictions: It is for external use only and must not be applied to the eyes. Caution is advised regarding use on deep puncture wounds or serious burns.
  • Discontinuation Criteria: Users are directed to stop application if local symptoms such as redness, irritation, swelling, or pain persist or worsen.

Population-Specific Safety Notes

The safety profile for certain groups is limited in regulatory documentation:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Safety has not been formally investigated; medical consultation is required before use.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety in children under a certain age may not be fully established.
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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documentation for Pommade Icthyolee 10% (Ichthammol) focuses the overdose risk primarily on accidental ingestion (swallowing) of the ointment. Due to its nature as a topical product with minimal systemic absorption, specific symptoms for excessive use on the skin are not detailed in official labeling.

Documented Manifestations and Actions

Focus of Concern Documented Manifestation or Action
Accidental Ingestion Manifestations may include diarrhea and general gastrointestinal irritation.
Urgent Help Required If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Population Note The product must be kept out of reach of children to prevent this ingestion risk.

Required Emergency Steps

If the product is swallowed, immediate contact with a Poison Control Center is required, as stated in regulatory guidelines. Supportive care is the general approach, and no specific antidote is listed in the official prescribing information.

Urgent medical attention is also required if severe symptoms develop, such as passing out or having trouble breathing—these constitute medical emergencies that necessitate contacting 911 (or local emergency services) immediately.

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Therapeutic Uses of Pommade Icthyolee 10%

What Pommade Icthyolee 10% Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The active ingredient in this pomade, Ichthammol, is used for its supportive role in managing common skin issues and is commonly used as supportive care for minor skin irritations. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain.


Easing Symptoms of Localized Skin Irritation

This ointment is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief from the key manifestations of localized skin irritation, including redness, mild swelling, and persistent itching. By helping to calm down and soothe these acute symptoms, it contributes to improved comfort and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases. “It is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Symptoms related to Inflammatory or Irritative States

Supporting the Management of Specific Skin Issues

Pommade Icthyolee 10% offers a supportive benefit in the management of localized skin lesions and symptoms related to changes in skin texture. It is relevant for easing symptoms associated with minor skin impurities (like small boils and developing abscesses) and helps with the physical symptoms of thickened or scaly patches, which contributes to easing the overall symptom load.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Drug Facts Label
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Pommade Icthyolee 10% (Official Regulatory Information)

Scope Eligibility Status Key Restriction
Approved Populations Adults and children 2 years of age and older. Strictly for external (cutaneous) application only.
Contraindicated Groups Individuals with a documented hypersensitivity to Ichthammol (Ammonium bituminosulfonate) or any component of the ointment. Prohibited for use on mucous membranes, deep puncture wounds, or serious burns.
Age Restriction Not recommended or contraindicated in children under 2 years of age. Use is not established in infants and toddlers.
Pregnancy/Lactation Conditional Use Status. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended without medical advice due to limited formal investigation in these populations.

The eligibility profile for Pommade Icthyolee 10% is defined primarily by its restricted route of administration and an age threshold. The product is contraindicated for internal use and in patients with a known allergy to the active ingredient. Eligibility is established for adults and children two years and older. Restrictions concerning hepatic and renal function are typically absent due to the minimal systemic absorption of the topical ointment.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Pommade Icthyolee 10% (Ichthammol) is defined by the documented absence of known systemic interactions with other medicines, food, or substances. This assessment is consistent across authoritative government sources, including European and U.S. regulatory bodies.

Official Interaction Scope

Interaction Type Regulatory Statement
Drug–Drug Interactions None documented. No clinically significant interactions are known or expected.
Metabolic/CYP Interactions None documented. Systemic pharmacokinetic interactions are not a feature of this topical agent’s regulatory profile.
Contraindicated Combinations None. Regulatory labels do not list any medicinal products formally prohibited for co-administration.
Food, Alcohol, or Herbal Products None known. Official summaries confirm there are no documented interactions or restrictions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.

Resulting Interaction Structure

The structure of this product's regulatory data indicates a low systemic risk profile. Due to the minimal to absent systemic absorption following cutaneous application, official labeling does not require mandatory timing separation rules for co-administered products. Furthermore, no specific population-dependent interaction notes (e.g., for hepatic or renal impairment) are defined in the regulatory documents, as the interaction risk is considered negligible regardless of these conditions.

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Mechanism of Action

Modulating Localized Inflammatory Signaling

The core mechanism of Ichthammol involves the inhibition of localized enzymes, specifically Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Lipoxygenase (LOX). By disrupting the arachidonic acid cascade, this action reduces the synthesis of key inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The physiological consequence is a reduction in local vasodilation and edema formation, which modulates the localized tissue response.


Damping Peripheral Sensory Signal Transmission

Ichthammol interacts directly with peripheral sensory nerve endings in the skin, acting to modulate or dampen afferent signal transmission. This localized action reduces the intensity of signals related to nociception and pruritus. The resulting physiological adjustment modulates the localized firing of sensory nerves, which aligns with the known physiological consequences of signal damping.


Osmotic Action and Microbial Growth Control

Two distinct, complementary mechanisms are at play: the formula creates an osmotic gradient that influences the movement of interstitial fluid and exudate near the surface, while the active sulfur component interferes with the metabolic pathways of susceptible microorganisms, exerting a bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect. This dual action modulates the localized movement of fluid and interferes with the proliferation of surface flora.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Pommade Icthyolee 10%

Administration Guidelines

The usage of Pommade Icthyolee 10%, which contains Ichthammol, is standardized for topical application. The ointment is a single-active-ingredient preparation at a 10% concentration and is intended exclusively for the topical (cutaneous) route of administration.

Feature Labeled Instruction
Route of Administration Topical (Cutaneous) only.
Dosing Schedule A liberal application is applied to the affected area.
Frequency Pattern Application is performed once or twice a day.

Standard Application Protocol

Standard procedures specify a procedural structure for using the ointment. Before application, the affected skin area must be cleansed. The required dose, which is a liberal amount, is not to be rubbed directly onto the skin. Instead, the ointment is applied onto a clean gauze bandage which is then placed over the area. It is an administration constraint that the product not be rubbed or massaged into the skin.

The frequency pattern is a short-term regimen, applied once or twice daily for several days. This pattern is typically considered complete when the need for continued use is diminished, allowing the regimen to be repeated as necessary for recurring localized symptoms. These steps define the standardized approach to using the preparation.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Pommade Icthyolee 10%

Evidence for use in Localized Skin Inflammation

Pommade Icthyolee 10% was studied for its application in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of localized skin inflammation, such as eczema or dermatitis. Research examined outcomes related to physical discomfort and changes in visible signs like redness and swelling. Studies utilized short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies that monitored effects over defined time intervals, mostly involving adults and children with mild to moderate conditions.

Findings describe patterns in how symptoms evolved in the observed populations over the short duration of the trials. Research provides insight into changes measured during the study period, but findings were mixed depending on the specific underlying condition and the comparator used, contributing to variability in findings across the different studies. Long-term effects are not fully established, and follow-up durations were limited, often covering only up to three months.

Evidence for use in Furuncle (Boil) Management

Research was studied for its application in conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms, such as furuncles. The available evidence includes historical small-scale clinical trials and open-label studies that monitored outcomes describing episodic or acute changes. Studies examined measures like lesion size reduction and the time assessed for change in status in adults presenting with uncomplicated, localized furuncles.

These studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, documenting data show patterns related to the time taken for the acute episode to complete its course. Comparative evidence is lacking from recent, large-scale studies against current treatment standards. Evidence quality varies across studies, and certainty remains low.

What is Still Uncertain About Pommade Icthyolee 10%

Data for certain groups remain insufficient, including patients with severe forms of the studied conditions. The research provides context but not individual predictions about whether an individual will have similar measured changes. Overall, comparative evidence is lacking against many modern treatments, and research is ongoing or still needed to fully characterize the pomade's role in the broader evidence landscape.

Key Studies & References

  1. Ichthammol (International Chemical Safety Card ICSC 0398)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pommade Icthyolee 10% (FAQ)

Q: Is Pommade Icthyolee 10% the same as black ointment?

Ichthammol-based ointments, including Pommade Icthyolee 10%, are often referred to as 'black ointment' or 'drawing salve' in common language. This non-official nickname is due to the dark, brownish-black color of the active ingredient, Ichthammol (Ammonium bituminosulfonate).


Q: Why does Pommade Icthyolee 10% have a strong smell?

The characteristic odor of the ointment comes directly from its active ingredient, Ichthammol. This substance is a derivative of sulfonated oil shale, which results in a natural bituminous or sulfur-like odor that is inherent to the product's chemical composition and origin.


Q: Are there any common reactions or irritations to look out for when starting to use it?

Official warnings state that skin irritation, redness, swelling, or localized pain at the application site are documented adverse reactions. If these or any other symptoms occur and persist or worsen, regulatory guidance states that users should stop using the product.


Q: Should I cover the area after applying Pommade Icthyolee 10%?

Official application directions specify applying the ointment onto a clean gauze bandage which is then placed over the affected area. This implies the area should be contained, though specific regulatory instructions for further covering the gauze are generally not mandated.


Q: Does Pommade Icthyolee 10% stain clothing or bedding?

Due to the dark color of the Ichthammol base, there is a risk of staining clothing or bedding. To protect fabrics, precautions are often noted, such as applying a dressing or bandage over the treated area.


Q: Why do some people recommend Pommade Icthyolee for splinters or embedded objects?

The traditional use of Ichthammol ointments, known as 'drawing salves,' has focused on localized skin issues. In some regulatory jurisdictions, the product is officially labeled for use in drawing or removing splinters, silvers, or similar items from the skin.


Q: Does the ointment have antibacterial or antifungal properties?

Ichthammol is officially classified as a dermatological agent with an antiseptic profile. This means the ointment exhibits mild bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects, which help to slow the growth of some surface bacteria and fungi.


Q: Does prolonged use of Pommade Icthyolee 10% cause any long-term skin problems?

Regulatory guidance specifies that this product is a short-term regimen, typically applied for only several days. Regulatory guidance advises stopping use if symptoms persist or worsen. Official labeling does not contain formal data on the effects or safety profile of long-term continuous use.


Q: Are there different strengths of ichthammol ointment available besides 10%?

While Pommade Icthyolee is a 10% concentration, regulatory data from various international sources confirms that Ichthammol ointments are manufactured and available in other strengths internationally, commonly a 20% concentration, depending on the specific product and country.


Q: Does Pommade Icthyolee 10% have pain-relieving effects?

The mechanism of action for Ichthammol includes the ability to dampen peripheral sensory nerve signals related to nociception (the body's process of sensing a painful stimulus). This mechanism of action is consistent with its historically recognized soothing properties.


Q: Can Pommade Icthyolee 10% be used on pets for skin issues?

Regulatory data in some regions confirms that Ichthammol-containing products are formulated and approved as veterinary medicines for topical application on animals, including horses and dogs, for certain skin issues.


Q: What should I do if I accidentally swallow a small amount of the ointment?

As stated in regulatory warnings for external-use products, if the ointment is swallowed, regulatory warnings state that you should get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.


Q: What should I do if I experience a severe allergic reaction to Pommade Icthyolee?

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or if skin irritation, swelling, or pain persists or worsens, regulatory documents state that you should stop use and seek medical attention immediately.


Q: Can Pommade Icthyolee 10% interact with non-prescription pain relievers applied topically?

Regulatory labeling states that there are no known systemic drug-drug interactions documented for this product. This is generally consistent with a topical product that has minimal absorption into the bloodstream.


Q: Can Pommade Icthyolee 10% be used for boils or abscesses?

The product is labeled for use in managing localized skin irritations, and its traditional 'drawing' purpose is often associated with helping the body manage confined issues like boils (furuncles), but you should review the specific product label for confirmation.


Q: Is Pommade Icthyolee 10% available over the counter or does it require a prescription?

In many regions, Ichthammol-based ointments are classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug for human use. This classification means it is generally available for purchase without a doctor's prescription.


Q: Can I use other topical creams or lotions at the same time as Pommade Icthyolee 10%?

Official labeling states there are no documented systemic drug-drug interactions. However, specific instructions for applying this product alongside other topical medicines on the same skin area are generally not provided in regulatory documents.


Q: Is it safe to use Pommade Icthyolee 10% during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Regulatory documents state that the safety of the product for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been formally established. Regulatory documents state that use is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare professional.


Q: Can children use Pommade Icthyolee 10% for minor skin issues?

The product is approved for use in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Regulatory information states it is not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age.


Q: Is Pommade Icthyolee 10% effective for acne or large pimples?

The labeled uses are primarily for minor skin irritations and for the 'drawing' action on impurities. Acne and large pimples are not official, specific indications listed on the product label.


Q: Can Pommade Icthyolee 10% be used on open wounds or broken skin?

The product is strictly for external use only. Regulatory warnings specifically restrict its use on deep puncture wounds or serious burns, and it should generally not be used on severely broken skin.

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How should Pommade Icthyolee 10% be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storage and disposal instructions for Pommade Icthyolee 10% are established by regulatory documents to maintain product quality and ensure environmental safety.

Storage Requirement Instruction
Temperature Store below 30 C and protect from excessive heat.
Protection Keep in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture.
Handling Keep the product in its original container with the cap tightly closed.
Safety Store out of the reach and sight of children.
Disposal Do not dispose of unused or expired product by flushing it down a toilet or pouring it into a drain. Dispose of it according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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