Name: Magnesium Sulphate Paste: Uses & Precautions | Healthwords
Creator: Dr Roger Henderson
Published: 2022-03-02T05:51:58.019Z

Magnesium Sulphate Paste is not just magnesium sulphate, it also contains glycerol which works by retaining moisture. The Magnesium sulphate is dried so does not contain any water and when applied to the skin it works to draw out moisture from an inflamed area of skin.


How does it work?

Explore the uses and precautions of magnesium sulphate paste. Learn about its applications for various skin conditions and wound care with Healthwords.

Magnesium Sulphate Paste: Uses & Precautions | Healthwords

Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the paste. Also do not use of any broken skin or any areas that may be infected. Like any medication, side effects are possible. Given it is a topical paste, skin reactions are possible. If you have any side effects, stop applying the paste and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Should anybody avoid using it?

Primarily, magnesium sulphate paste is used as a drawing ointment used for [boils](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/boils-864) and [carbuncles](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/carbuncle-863). However, it can also be used to draw splinters and other fine objects which pierce the skin and are irretrievable via manual extraction. The paste is not suitable for use if there is a large object, if there is any broken skin or if there are signs of an infection. Signs of infection include inflammation around the point of entry, being warm to touch, yellowish skin, or pus. This will need to be reviewed by your doctor and may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Care Magnesium Sulphate Paste (50g)

To begin with, ensure the area applied to is clean and there is no broken skin. Start by stirring the paste till an even mixture is produced. Thereafter, apply the paste liberally to the affected area and cover it with a clean dressing. This can be done twice a day till the paste draws out the object. Ensure to keep an eye out for signs of an infection.

How is it applied?

When we experience pain, we seek any means to relieve it. That’s how we evolved and survived as animals. Although cavemen didn’t have pharmacies to get their paracetamol from.

So when wandering around the pharmacy and faced with a multitude of choices, how do we know what’s going to hit the spot? And what if we’ve exhausted what the pharmacy offers and we still haven’t cracked it, what more can your doctor offer? Let’s talk you through [painkillers](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/painkillers) available to buy at the pharmacist, and the so-called ladder of pain relief, which may require your doctor to prescribe stronger medications as you climb upwards. By knowing the different classes of painkillers, you can also combine them if you need to.

It’s also good to be aware of side effects, and if these are unbearable, there may be other medications such as ones to treat [nausea](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/nausea-and-vomiting) with opioid medications, that help you feel more comfortable. The following relates to tablets or oral medications: we discuss [gels, creams](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/best-pain-relief-gels-and-creams-474), patches and other modes of [pain relief](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/pain-relief) in other articles.

You may also need medications to reduce risks if you’re taking medications for a long time, such as protecting against excess stomach acid caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Or switching to a cream or gel to avoid certain problems or risks. Let’s start with the science behind the main classes of pain relievers, or analgesics, as we call them.

Dr Kim - Pain Relief

A boil, known medically as a furuncle, is when a hair follicle becomes infected causing a pus-filled lump. It is usually caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus Aureus, which are often found on skin or inside nostrils, and usually cause no harm. However, if there is a break in the skin, the bacteria can get in and cause an infection that leads to a boil.

A boil is a red lump that is painful and initially quite hard, but over the course of about four to seven days gets softer as the amount of pus inside increases. You may see it progress to have a white or yellow head on the lump. The skin around the boil may also become red and sore.

In a few cases, multiple boils can occur in the same area, known as a carbuncle. The pus may come out of the boil on its own or be reabsorbed by the body. Once the pus is released it can take around four to five days for the boil to heal and it may leave a scar. The advice is not to try and burst the boil yourself.

Most small boils go away on their own without the need for treatment. They can be painful especially as the amount of pus in the boil increases. They are usually found in places on the body that are warm and moist or where skin rubs against skin or clothes in areas such as armpits, groin, bum, neck or face. This is because bacteria like warm moist environments and any friction may cause breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria to get in.

Boils are more common in teenagers or young adult males, those with a lowered immune system or [diabetes](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/diabetes-mellitus-300), if you are [overweight ](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/obesity-and-being-overweight-the-scale-of-the-problem-and-benefits-of-weight-loss)or already have a skin problem that may then make you itch or scratch your skin.

When we experience pain, we seek any means to relieve it. That’s how we evolved and survived as animals. Although cavemen didn’t have pharmacies to get their [paracetamol ](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/pain-relief)from.

So when wandering around the pharmacy and faced with a multitude of choices, how do we know what’s going to hit the spot? And what if we’ve exhausted what the pharmacy offers and we still haven’t cracked it, what more can your doctor offer? Let’s talk you through [painkillers](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/painkillers) available to buy at the pharmacist, and the so-called ladder of pain relief, which may require your doctor to prescribe stronger medications as you climb upwards. By knowing the different classes of painkillers, you can also combine them if you need to.

It’s also good to be aware of side effects, and if these are unbearable, there may be other medications such as ones to treat nausea with opioid medications, that help you feel more comfortable. The following relates to tablets or oral medications: we discuss gels, creams, patches and other modes of pain relief in other articles.

You may also need medications to reduce risks if you’re taking medications for a long time, such as protecting against excess stomach acid caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Let’s start with the science behind the main classes of pain relievers, or analgesics, as we call them.

A carbuncle is when multiple [boils](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/boils-864) (or [furuncles](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/furuncle) form close together. It occurs due to hair follicles next to each other becoming infected causing pus-filled lumps that may converge to be one larger lump. 

It is usually caused by bacteria known as Staphylococcus Aureus, which is a normal part of skin or inside nostrils in some people. It tends to cause no harm, although it can cause an infection such as a boil if it gets under the skin. 

Boils, or furuncles, look like red lumps that are painful and initially quite hard but over the course of four to seven days get softer as the amount of pus inside increases. The pus or infection can join together between each boil to become a carbuncle. You may see it progress to have a white or yellow head on the lump. The skin around the boils may also become red and sore. The pus may come out of the boils on their own or be reabsorbed by the body. 

Once the pus is released it can take around four to five days for the boil to heal and may leave a scar. The advice is not to try and burst the boil yourself, as it is not usually done in a clean way and may lead to re-infection.
 
Whilst boils are quite common in male teenagers and young adults, carbuncles are mainly seen in middle aged and elderly men and you are more likely to develop them if you suffer from [diabetes](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/diabetes-in-a-nutshell) or have a lowered immune system. They can be painful especially as the amount of pus trapped inside increases. They are usually found in places on the body that are hairy while also being warm and moist, such as the neck or on the back. These conditions allow the bacteria to flourish, and any friction may cause small breaks in the skin allowing the bacteria to get in.

The majority of insect bites/stings can be managed at home and should heal within 3 - 5 days. They tend to cause a round, red, swollen lump that can be painful (typically with insect stings) or itchy (typically with insect bites). Some insects can bite a number of times, causing multiple lumps across an area of the body. There may be a small allergic reaction to the bite or sting, which will be seen as a wider red/swollen ring around the bites.

The most common stings are from bees and wasps. In a small number of people, an insect sting can cause a serious and dangerous allergic reaction (known to medical professionals as [anaphylaxis](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/anaphylaxis-or-severe-allergic-reaction-501). **The symptoms of this can be feeling dizzy, sick or faint and swelling, particularly in the mouth and face, resulting in difficulty breathing. If you suspect this is happening, call 999 immediately**.

Insect bites and stings

Anthisan Cream: Effective Relief for Insect Bites and Stings

Anthisan cream is a widely used medication that provides relief from pain, inflammation, and itching caused by [insect stings, bites,](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/insect-bites-or-stings-613) and nettle rash. This article will explore the benefits and applications of Anthisan cream, how it works, who should avoid using it, possible side effects, and when to seek medical attention.

Hives (Urticaria): Causes, tips and treatments

Hives are also known as urticaria or nettle rash. Red raised circular marks appear called weals, which resemble a dartboard bullseye. These are usually intensely itchy, and may also sting or burn. Weals appear anywhere on the body within minutes to hours of meeting an allergen or irritant.

[Antihistamine](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/antihistamines-432) tablets or cream can dampen down the reaction, and cooling agents and moisturisers can calm the itch. The weals should disappear within 24 hours, although redness or a form of bruising may persist.

Hives are not contagious, and cannot be passed on.

Dr Kandi - Hives

[Movelat Cream](https://www.healthwords.ai/shop/products/movelat-cream-125g) and [Voltarol](https://www.healthwords.ai/shop/products/voltarol-back-and-muscle-pain-relief-116percent-gel-30g) are topical preparations that many people trust to help relieve [joint pain](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/joint-pain-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-393). They both contain different active ingredients and are used for different types of pain.

Let's compare them in terms of their active ingredients, uses, effectiveness, and potential side effects.

In this article, we take a closer look at both products to help you make an educated decision on which topical treatment is best for you.

Dr Kim - Pain relief

Cuts, scrapes and grazes are common, especially in children. But anyone can injure themselves, so it’s a good idea to know what to do if you’re nearby, and when you should worry. Let’s talk you through it.

We've assumed in this article that you know the person you're treating, but if you're a bystander and helping a stranger, contact with blood carries risk of disease. We would advise caution in this case, wearing single-use gloves if available or helping them to a medical facility instead. This article is also only suitable for treating non-[superficial cuts.](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/superficial-cuts)

A tension headache is the most common type and feels like a tight band has been wrapped around your forehead, causing a constant ache to the sides of the head. Your neck or shoulders might feel tight and tender and a dull ache or pressure can build up behind the eyes.

People call it a **stress headache** for good reason – it comes at the busiest or most stressful times. Other common triggers for tension headaches are excessive noise or bright sunlight, poor posture, a deterioration in eyesight or [dehydration](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/dehydration-and-heatstroke). While frustrating, for most people it’s mild enough for them to be able to continue with everyday activities.

Most describe tension headaches as mild and short-lived. Many feel better after a sleep or a warm bath, and tension headaches usually respond well to [simple painkillers](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/mild-and-simple-pain-how-to-manage). Let's talk you through how to beat a [tension headache](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/tension-headache-276) with both medicated and drug-free remedies.

Dr Kandi - Tension Headaches

Dr Roger Henderson

Chief Content Officer

Magnesium sulphate paste is a medication found in pharmacies used as a drawing agent. Magnesium sulphate originally came into medical use as early as 1618 when a cow herder Henry Wicker discovered magnesium sulphate and its use as a laxative. This was used for 350 years. Nowadays, it is used in Epsom bath salts and as a dehydrated paste used as a drawing agent.

Magnesium sulphate paste

How is it applied?

Pharmacist recommended products

How does it work?

Should anybody avoid using it?

Related topics

Pain Relief: How do I choose which type?

Boils

Pain Relief

Carbuncle

Insect Bites & Stings

Anthisan Cream: Effective Relief for Insect Bites and Stings

Hives (Urticaria): Causes, tips and treatments

Movelat Cream vs Voltarol

Someone Bleeding - How to manage?

Tension Headache Relief