Boric acid, or boric acid, is an inorganic chemical compound with many applications. This substance is also a component of sea s alt and some plants, mainly fruits. What are the properties of boric acid? In what situations is it worth reaching for it?

Boric acid(LatinAcidum boricum , Boric Acid, H3BO3) is a weak acid, present in nature in the form of a very the rare mineral sassolin (named after the Sasso Lagoon in Tuscany, where it was discovered).

Boric acid has many medical applications due to its antiseptic, drying, astringent and granulation properties (wound healing).

boric acid used externally is safe, but in the event of contact with mucous membranes or extensive wounds, it can be absorbed and be toxic. Therefore, it is not intended for use on large areas of the skin. Only topical application is recommended.

Boric acid and ringworm

Due to its fungistatic and bactericidal properties, it is mainly used in the treatment of mycoses such as:

  • mycosis of the penis
  • athlete's foot
  • onychomycosis
  • and as a means of alleviating infections of the external genitourinary organs (used for vaginal irrigation)

Boric acid is widely used in the treatment of vaginal mycosis (vaginal globules are created on its basis, which are applied topically).

Boric acid and the treatment of skin lesions

These are not all uses of boric acid. It is also used to treat eczema, burns, bruises, swelling and superficial epidermal damage.

It is also used in cosmetics - it contains many acne products.

Boric acid is also a substance popular in the recipes of gargling preparations, used in infections of the upper respiratory tract, as well as in inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

The use of boric acid in ophthalmology to wash eyes, especially in the case of chronic inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva.

Boric acid and hyperhidrosis

Boric acid is used for excessive sweating. It especially fights the problem of excessive foot sweating. It reduces the secretionsweat and neutralizes unpleasant odors. This substance in the form of a powder is poured into shoes and socks.

Soaking your feet in its solution also brings positive effects. It is a common component of ointments or powders for the problem of sweating legs, for example boric ointment. It is also combined with talcum powder.

Boric acid: non-medical applications

Although boric acid is mainly interested in medicine, it must be remembered that this compound has quite a lot of non-medical applications.

It is worth knowing that it is used, for example, to fight insects, for example cockroaches. A self-made mixture can be a natural poison that allows you to get rid of troublesome bugs from your home.

Boric acid is also used as an ingredient in fertilizers. It is used in the production of paints, as well as borosilicate glass (used to create high-quality laboratory and gastronomic vessels).

Boric acid is used as a wood impregnation agent, it is also used in the tanning industry. It is also used as a preservative (E284).

Boric acid is an accessible, inexpensive compound, which is why it has been used in the so-called green chemistry (it is a concept of conducting research and chemical processes in accordance with ecology, in such a way as to reduce the use and formation of harmful substances).

Boric acid: contraindications for use

Despite the various benefits for the body from the use of boric acid, its long-term use is not recommended.

This compound is toxic in some situations and is slowly excreted from the body. Therefore, careless use can lead to its deposition. It mainly accumulates in the liver and nervous tissue.

Too long or too intensive use may lead to poisoning and even to circulatory failure. It is not recommended to use boric acid in children, and also in pregnant women, as it may be dangerous for the conceived child.

Important

Boric acid was often used to care for the skin of babies and to treat diaper rash.

Its derivative (sodium tetraborate) is found e.g. in the popular ointment thormentiol.

Both the ointment and the tetraborate itself are toxic, therefore its use in children under 3 is not recommended.

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