Formic alcohol is a medicine that 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 excipient (ethanol) accounts for 1.4 g of formic acid. This drug is available in dark glass bottles with a volume of 50 ml and is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription.
The active substance is formic acid.
Ant alcohol, the use, price, the contraindications of which will be described in detail in the article, contains the acid of the same name 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 turned out that formic acid is found not only in the secret of ants, but also in bees, and is also found in nettles, sorrel, needles, and some sweet and sour fruits.
This substance is also registered as a food additive, as it has antibacterial and preservative properties, thereby slowing down the processes of decay.
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 (albeit as a by-product) in the production of acetic acid. There are other possibilities for its production in the chemical industry.
Ant alcohol: use in medicine
As a medicine, a solution of formic acid in ethanol is used for injuries to muscles and joints, neuralgia, arthritis, gout and rheumatism. This is due to its locally irritating, distracting effect, the ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation and cellular nutrition of tissues. After applying this remedy, the pain syndrome weakens, inflammatory processes are significantly reduced.
Ant alcohol, the use of which is strictly contraindicated, is used externally as follows: it is rubbed, massaged, into the painful area 2 to 4 times a day, after which clean tissue is applied and this part of the body is tied with a warm scarf to enhance the effect.
The antiseptic effect of formic alcohol allows it to be used to disinfect medical instruments, treat surfaces and rooms. The drug is also successfully used to kill mold.
Security
Exclusively for external use, a drug such as formic alcohol is prescribed. The use inside it is primarily impractical, and it can harm health. There is information that formic acid in a concentration of up to 10% has only an irritating effect, and only higher is corrosive. However, you should not take risks if you do not want to earn gastritis or an ulcer. In addition, formic acid in significant quantities affects the optic nerve, and, as a result, can cause blindness. Formic alcohol should also be avoided on mucous membranes and on skin that is damaged or irritated.
Ant alcohol - application in cosmetology
This tool is very popular for the treatment of 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, lubricating a portion of the skin in a problem area with a small amount of alcohol. If after a day no redness is detected and itching does not appear, you can try it as a remedy for acne.
There are a number of nuances. Firstly, the skin should not be cleaned before treatment, otherwise after the procedure its peeling cannot be avoided. With a dry type of skin, it is better to refrain from using this product. Secondly, alcohol in its pure form should not be used: the drug is diluted in half with boiled water and only then applied through a cotton pad to problem areas. Alcohol will quickly evaporate, and after that it is recommended to moisturize the skin with cream. As a rule, improvement occurs in 2-3 weeks. But dermatologists do not advise to get involved in such a tool as ant alcohol, the use of which greatly dehydrates the skin, for more than four weeks. Even if good results are achieved, it is worth taking a month and a half break before repeating the course of acne treatment.
Contraindications
As in the case of any medical device, individual intolerance to such a drug as formic alcohol is possible. Its use in this case is absolutely contraindicated. Before external use, it is necessary to verify the integrity of the skin and not to use a means to disinfect wounds, abrasions, cuts and injection marks. Doctors also do not recommend ant alcohol during pregnancy and lactation, if only because of a lack of research on this topic.
Issue price
If there are indications for the use of such a medication as ant alcohol, its use will not at all complicate the very affordable cost of the drug, which, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 10 to 25 rubles.