What is Borica Water
Boric water is a very diluted solution of boric acid, otherwise known as orthoboric acid. The latter is a weak inorganic acid whose brute formula is H 3 BO 3 .
uses
Uses and Indications of Borica Water
As mentioned, boric water is used above all in the pharmaceutical field, where it is exploited for its antibacterial and antifungal activities.
In detail, boric water can be used at the skin level with the following indications:
- Disinfection of irritated and cracked skin;
- Disinfection of minor skin burns;
- Skin decongestant in case of insect bites and in case of mild sunburn;
- Acne treatment.
Did you know that ...
Although it is not expressly mentioned among the numerous indications of boric water, there are patients who use this product to make vaginal lavages in order to prevent Candida infections. In truth, this practice would not be entirely correct. In fact, recourse to do-it-yourself treatment for the treatment and prevention of any type of infection should never be carried out, even more so when talking about such delicate areas.
However, there are commercially available vaginal cleaners based on boric acid and other active ingredients, specially formulated (and officially approved) to prevent these infections and contribute to the maintenance of the normal wellness of the vaginal environment. Even in these cases, however, before using similar products, it is always good to ask for the preventive advice of your doctor or your gynecologist.
In addition to what has been said so far, boric water can also be used to perform eye baths in the event of:
- Redness and / or eye irritation due to fatigue or the presence of any foreign bodies;
- Eye dryness.
When used at an ocular level, boric water can not only contribute to maintaining adequate eye hygiene, but can also be used as an adjuvant treatment in case of ongoing infections (which, however, must be treated with suitable prescribed drugs to the doctor).
Please note
Boric water for dermal use must NOT be used for eye baths at all. In fact, boric water for ocular use is formulated according to strict and well established criteria because - given the delicacy and the scarcity of defenses of the area in which it is applied - it must be absolutely sterile .
How it works
The antiseptic properties of boric water, of course, are due to the boric acid contained in it. This particular acid, in fact, is able to induce the denaturation of intracellular and membrane proteins of pathogenic microorganisms.
However, it should be pointed out that the boric water does not have bactericidal activity, but bacteriostatic. This means that it is able to slow down and hinder the growth of microorganisms, but it fails to kill them.
Side effects
Normally, boric water (whether for cutaneous or ocular use) is well tolerated by all patients. However, in the event of excessive or improper use, some side effects may occur. Among these, we recall:
- Irritations;
- Dermatitis;
- Rashes.
In the event that boric water is used on damaged skin or on wounds, on the other hand, the boric acid it contains can be absorbed systemically, causing serious side effects, such as:
- Nausea and vomit;
- Diarrhea;
- Weakness;
- Confusion;
- Anemia;
- Convulsions.
Should any of the above symptoms occur, or in case of accidental ingestion of boric water, it is of fundamental importance to contact the doctor immediately or contact the nearest emergency department immediately. In such a situation, it may be useful to carry the product packaging with you.
Contraindications
As mentioned, the use of boric water on damaged skin is absolutely contraindicated, since a systemic absorption of boric acid could occur. Similarly, boric water for eye baths should not be used in the presence of cuts or wounds at eye level.
The improper use of this product can lead to very serious consequences and potentially tragic consequences (in the past, following inappropriate use, cases of intoxication and even death have been reported). In this regard, however, it is necessary to specify that - when used correctly following the instructions of the doctor and / or the leaflet - boric water is an absolutely safe and non-dangerous product.
Furthermore, boric water should not be used in children under three years of age and, of course, its use should be avoided by people with known hypersensitivity to its components.
Finally, it is good to remember again that boric water is for external use only; therefore, it MUST NOT be swallowed.
