Boric acid

Generality

Boric acid - also known as orthoboric acid - is a weak acid with interesting antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal properties.

Thanks to its antiseptic properties, this compound is used - at the appropriate concentrations - in the pharmaceutical field, but not only.

In fact, boric acid is also used as a preservative, as well as being used in the paper, paint and enamel industry, adhesives and even explosives.

Examples of Medicinal Specialties containing Boric Acid

Boric acid Marco Viti®
Farve® boric acid
Borus acid Almus®

Therapeutic indications

Boric acid is used as an antiseptic for the disinfection of irritated and / or chapped skin, for the disinfection of minor skin burns and for the treatment of acne.

In addition, boric acid can be used in limited areas as a decongestant remedy, in the case of mild sunburns or in the case of insect bites.

Warnings

Boric acid for cutaneous use must absolutely not be used by ophthalmic (ocular application).

Boric acid should not be used on damaged skin, on very large areas of skin or in excessive amounts (high doses), since it could cause the onset of accumulation toxicity.

Boric acid should not be used in children under three years of age and, in any case, should be kept away from the reach and sight of children of all ages.

Interactions with other drugs

There are currently no known drug interactions between boric acid and other medicines. However, it would be good to inform your doctor if you are taking - or have recently been - any type of medication, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal and homeopathic products.

In any case, it is good to remember that preparations based on boric acid - due to physico-chemical incompatibilities - must not be mixed with solutions or other preparations containing compounds, such as:

hydroxides;
Polyvinyl alcohol;
Tannins;
Alkaline carbonates;
Glycerol.

Side effects

Generally, boric acid is well tolerated and - if properly used - it should not cause any side effects.

However, in case of improper or prolonged use, and in case of use on damaged skin, adverse effects may occur, such as:

Dermatitis;
Skin eruptions;
Alopecia;
Nausea and vomit;
Diarrhea;
Weakness;
Confusion;
Changes in the menstrual cycle;
Anemia;
Convulsions.

Overdose

If the boric acid is correctly used at the recommended doses, and if it is not used on damaged skin, the possibility of an overdose is definitely remote.

However, following the use of high doses of boric acid on injured skin, wounds and sores, cases of intoxication and even death have occurred, especially in children.

The typical symptoms of acute boric acid poisoning consist of:

Vomiting and diarrhea;
Skin irritations;
Visceral pains;
Stimulation of the central nervous system, followed by depression, headache, restlessness, metabolic acidosis, fever, salt and water imbalances, oliguria, cyanosis, delirium, convulsions, coma, shock and death.

In the case of chronic boric acid poisoning, however, symptoms may occur, such as:

Anorexia;
Death Penalty;
Dermatitis and alopecia;
Anemia;
Confusion;
Menstrual disorders.

If you suspect poisoning with boric acid - acute or chronic - it is essential to immediately contact your doctor or go immediately to the nearest hospital.

Action mechanism

Boric acid is able to exert its antiseptic action through the denaturation of membrane proteins and intracellular proteins of pathogenic microorganisms, which are to be eliminated from the affected areas of skin.

Method of use and dosage

Boric acid is available as a skin solution and an ointment for cutaneous use, in which it is found in concentrations of 3%.

Usually, it is recommended to apply a small amount of product once or twice a day, directly on the area of skin to be treated.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

At present there are no data available about the risks associated with the use of boric acid during pregnancy and lactation. However, if boric acid is used in the recommended ways and doses, the amount of active ingredient absorbed should be low; therefore, even pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers could make use of it, but only in cases of need and under strict medical supervision.

However, in case of doubt, it is always good to ask the advice of the pharmacist or your doctor.