Boric acid is a medicine that has been familiar since childhood. Surely our parents and grandmothers have this drug in the first-aid kit, although many alternative medicines are sold in pharmacies. Such frequent use of a substance is determined by its valuable properties. Boric acid is used in many industries.
Composition and form of release
This substance is referred to as weak acids. It consists of flavourless transparent crystals-flakes. The tool is produced in the following forms:
- sour taste powder in jars or packages;
- liquid water or alcohol;
- bottles in the form of droppers;
- ointment 5 or 10%.
A specific form of boric acid is selected taking into account the characteristics of the ailment that has arisen. The application algorithm may also vary.
pharmachologic effect
Given the properties of salts of boric acid, the drug has antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, antiseptic, fungistatic, anti-pedicular and antiparasitic pharmacological effects. This substance coagulates proteins of a pathological cell. Acid slightly irritates granulation tissue.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Boric acid freely penetrates the surface of the wound, as well as the mucous membrane of the digestive system with the possible use of acid inside the body. According to doctors, the substance has the property to accumulate over time and slowly be excreted.
Acid use
Boric acid as prescribed by a doctor is used for the following diseases:
- conjunctivitis;
- acute otitis media in acute form;
- eczema;
- diaper rash;
- pyoderma;
- dermatitis;
- infection with lice;
- colpitis.
To cure skin diseases, they mainly use an alcoholic form of boron, which moistens cotton swabs and treats affected skin. In addition, medicinal lotions can be made with an alcohol-based solution. After all, the antiseptic properties of boric acid perfectly affect wounds.
To cure otitis media, boron is instilled into the affected ear 5 drops three times a day. The course of procedures should be a maximum of 5-6 days. In case of colpitis, a 10% solution is prescribed. It is made from acid powder, which is also suitable for treating the skin.
When a person develops pediculosis, doctors prescribe acid in the form of an ointment. Once for 30 minutes it is applied to the head. Next, the surface treated with the acid composition should be washed well.
Sometimes this drug is prescribed to perform certain medical procedures. For example, boron in powder form is usually prescribed for injection into the ear cavity.
With conjunctivitis, it is strictly forbidden to instill acid undiluted! To treat this ailment, you need to prepare a weak solution, mixing the drug with other components, following the doctor's prescriptions.
Warning
Boric acid is supposed to be used only after consulting a doctor and performing a medical examination, clearly following the instructions. An exceptionally qualified doctor can prescribe the most optimal and effective regimen and form of boric acid, determine the optimal duration of treatment, given the local symptoms.
Application in cosmetology
Boron is often used in the field of beauty. Especially good this drug helps fight acne and blackheads. It is known that this tool has good disinfecting and drying qualities, effectively lowering the level of oily skin. To overcome the problem of acne, it is enough:
- treat oily areas of the skin with an aqueous solution of boron;
- partially burn the inflamed areas with an alcohol-based solution.
Playful freckles can be treated daily with a 3% aqueous solution, optionally adding a small amount of colorless henna to it. This method will help even out the tone, as well as remove spots. It is worth noting that this acid is not recommended for use alone. It must be used very carefully, even taking into account the reduced concentration of this substance.
Other areas of use
It is known that boron acid is successfully used in cosmetology and medicine. Also, the tool can be used in other areas:
- jewelry - boric acid plays the role of a flux for the soldering process of jewelry alloys;
- agriculture - this acid increases the digestibility of nitrogen, which increases productivity by about 20%, while helping plants get rid of various diseases and increasing resistance to frost;
- glass production - this tool helps to achieve maximum gloss, transparency and thermal resistance, so that glass acquires chemical resistance;
- against insects and cockroaches;
- metallurgy - acid makes it possible to increase the strength and purity of steel, reduce the melting point, reduce the possible destruction of materials;
- economy - boron is used as a fairly effective cleaning and deodorizing agent. This substance disinfects the surfaces in the kitchen, helps remove fat and soften the plaque in the toilet.
This acid must be introduced into the garden during the entire vegetative period, since it does not pass to young stems from old ones, requiring constant updating. Plants that grow on marshy soils, where there is a large amount of carbonates, are especially in need of boron. In addition, boron must be applied to the soil with high acidity. First, the soil must be deoxidized with alkali-containing substances.
Self-preparation of the solution
All mixtures and solutions can be very easily prepared on their own using special boron powder. The antibacterial effect of the acid begins with 2%. To prepare a solution based on water, you need to take 100 ml of hot water and dissolve 0.5 tsp in it. acids. The result is a 3-4% solution.
In addition, the acid is easily soluble in alcohol. Ratios should be calculated by volume fractions. Also, the acid can be mixed with softened white paraffin or petroleum jelly. This composition is used externally, making alcohol and water compounds, and for skin diseases, the solution is prescribed in the form of powder.
Contraindications
It is highly recommended not to use this type of acid for people who suffer from impaired renal function, women during pregnancy and lactation, in childhood and infancy, and also in case of intolerance to the components. In addition, preparations of this acid are not recommended to be applied to large areas of the body.
Overdose
If the acid is accidentally drunk, the patient must thoroughly rinse the stomach. For this, it is preferable to use a probe. Saline solutions and enterosorbents are also given inside. After these procedures, the patient is prescribed symptomatic therapy. In case of severe overdose, it is necessary to maximally support the functions of a person important for a full life, to perform peritoneal dialysis and blood transfusion, if necessary.
Signs of an overdose of this type of acid are diarrhea, erythematosis, stomatitis, inhibition of the brain, oliguria, circulatory disorders, in some situations shock or coma develops.
If prolonged use of this type of acid is intended, symptoms of acute intoxication may occur after some time - exhaustion, eczema, swelling, anemia, irregular menstruation and even cramps. In this case, you should immediately stop using boron, perform symptomatic treatment.
Side effects
When using acid in doses significantly higher than recommended, side effects can occur quite quickly. As a result of improper use of this drug, a person may experience allergic reactions: skin edema, hyperemia, urticaria, rashes, and itching. Very rarely, an anaphylactic reaction and desquamation of the epithelium can occur.
Total
In the end, it is worth mentioning the physicochemical properties of boric acid. It has a melting point of more than 170 degrees, while turning into metaboric acid or boron oxide. It is soluble in glycerin with a mass of more than 25%. If we talk about the physical properties of boric acid and its use by people, then it has the appearance of a white powder, which is processed into the desired drug and is widely used, as described above.
There are truly many methods for using boric acid, some of which may surprise you. But it is important to note that the use of this acidic preparation is possible only by agreement with the attending physician. A competent appointment will help to avoid quite serious consequences.