Drawing salve is a traditional topical remedy used for minor skin infections, often leaving people curious about its ability to “draw” out impurities. This thick, dark ointment has been used for generations to help manage painful, localized infections like boils. The salve’s function relies on specific chemical and physical actions to encourage the natural healing process. Understanding how the salve works requires knowing the nature of the infection it is designed to treat.
Understanding the Target: What is a Boil?
A boil, medically known as a furuncle, is a painful, deep infection of a hair follicle on the skin. It is most commonly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which enters the skin through a minor cut or hair follicle opening. The body’s immune response sends white blood cells to the site, creating a localized abscess.
This defense mechanism results in the accumulation of pus, a thick mixture of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue fluid. Initially, a boil presents as a hard, red, and tender bump beneath the skin’s surface. For the boil to resolve, this pus-filled center must surface, forming a visible “head” that eventually ruptures and drains.
The skin covering the infection acts as a physical barrier, preventing the pus from exiting the body. The goal of at-home treatment is to encourage this natural maturation process, bringing the infection to a head so it can drain and begin to heal.
Key Components of Drawing Salve
The functional properties of drawing salve are derived from its main active ingredient, Ichthammol (Ammonium bituminosulfonate). This substance is a thick, dark, viscous material chemically derived from the distillation of sulfur-rich oil shale. Ichthammol is recognized for its mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pruritic (anti-itch) qualities.
In addition to Ichthammol, these salves contain inactive ingredients that contribute to the ointment’s efficacy and consistency. Common components include a base of petrolatum or lanolin, which provides an occlusive layer over the skin. Ingredients like glycerin, beeswax, or pine tar are often added to soften the skin and create a thick, stable topical preparation.
The occlusive nature of the base helps keep the affected skin hydrated, which prepares the boil for drainage. The combination of these ingredients facilitates the physical and chemical changes necessary to resolve the infection.
The Mechanism: How Drawing Salve Works
The “drawing” action of the salve is a combination of two primary effects: keratolytic action and localized skin softening. Ichthammol exhibits keratolytic properties, meaning it helps gently break down and soften the keratin protein in the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). This softening thins the skin directly over the hard, pus-filled core of the boil.
The thick, greasy base, often containing petrolatum and humectants like glycerin, creates a moist, occlusive environment. This intense hydration further softens the skin, reducing its rigidity and making it more pliable. By softening the keratin and moisturizing the overlying skin, the salve lowers the resistance the pus must overcome to reach the surface.
This combined action helps the boil mature faster, bringing the pus collection closer to the surface to form a head. The effect of skin softening and increased surface pressure facilitates the body’s own process of expelling the infectious material. The salve helps speed up the natural resolution time, allowing the boil to drain more efficiently.
Safe Application and When to Seek Medical Help
Using drawing salve requires careful attention to hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria. The affected area should first be thoroughly washed with mild soap and warm water, then gently patted dry. A thick layer of the salve is then applied directly to the center of the boil, ensuring the entire bump is covered.
After application, the area must be covered with a sterile gauze pad or adhesive bandage to keep the ointment in place and prevent staining. The dressing should be changed and the salve reapplied one to two times daily until the boil naturally opens and drains. Avoid squeezing or attempting to force the boil to pop, as this can push the infection deeper or spread bacteria.
You should consult a healthcare provider immediately if the boil is located on the face or near the spine, or if you develop systemic symptoms. Signs requiring medical attention include fever, red streaks spreading away from the boil, or if the surrounding skin becomes increasingly hot and swollen. A doctor should also evaluate any boil that does not show signs of healing or draining after two weeks of home treatment.