Drawing salve is a traditional topical ointment used for minor skin concerns, particularly boils. It aims to help draw impurities to the skin’s surface.
What is a Boil?
A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a common and often painful skin infection. It typically begins as a red bump that quickly grows in size and fills with pus, forming a tender lump beneath the skin. Boils commonly result from bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus, entering and infecting a hair follicle or an oil gland. This infection triggers an immune response, leading to the collection of white blood cells, dead skin, and bacteria, which forms the pus. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are frequently found in areas with hair follicles or where friction and sweating occur, such as the face, neck, armpits, groin, and buttocks.
How Drawing Salve Works
Drawing salves are believed to work through a combination of actions rather than literally “sucking” out infections. Many formulations aim to soften the skin, reduce inflammation, and encourage the natural drainage of pus. Ingredients like ichthammol, a dark, tar-like substance derived from shale oil, are often central to these salves. Ichthammol is thought to possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it can also help to soften the skin, which may encourage a boil to come to a head and drain.
Activated charcoal and bentonite clay are common components with absorbent qualities, binding to toxins and impurities on the skin’s surface. Botanical ingredients like plantain, calendula, or tea tree oil are also included for their soothing, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory effects. The combined effect promotes increased blood flow, loosens the skin, and facilitates the body’s natural process of expelling pus. While used for centuries, formal clinical testing on specific mechanisms may be limited, though anecdotal and historical evidence supports their traditional use.
Using Drawing Salve Safely
When using drawing salve, it is important to apply it correctly and follow general safety measures. Begin by gently cleaning the affected skin area with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. Apply a thin, even layer of the drawing salve directly onto the boil. After application, cover the area with a clean gauze bandage or dressing to keep the salve in place and prevent staining, as some salves, particularly those with activated charcoal, can be messy.
Reapplication typically involves changing the dressing and reapplying the salve once or twice a day, often leaving it on overnight for best results. Before widespread use, performing a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin can help identify any potential allergic reactions. Maintain good hygiene throughout the treatment period to prevent further infection or irritation.
When Professional Help is Needed
While drawing salves can be useful for minor, uncomplicated boils, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. You should consult a doctor if a boil is very large, rapidly worsens, or causes extreme pain. Medical evaluation is also recommended if the boil is accompanied by a fever, chills, or red streaks extending from the sore, which could indicate a spreading infection.
Boils located on sensitive areas such as the face, near the eyes or nose, or on the spine, require medical assessment due to the risk of complications. If a boil does not improve with home treatment within a few days or a week, or if boils recur frequently, it is advisable to seek medical advice. These situations may require medical intervention, such as incision and drainage, or antibiotics to manage the infection effectively.