Black ointment? Where can I get it?

grastgirl

I remember as a kid having something called "black ointment" for things like splinters or slightly infected ingrown toenails. It was black/dark brown and had a consistency thicker than treacle. You'd put it on at night with a plaster over it before bed, then it would normally be sorted by the morning.

What is it called? Where can I get some? Is it one of those things that works so they banned it?

floyd

Is it this stuff? http://www.carbolicsoap.com/zambuk-brand-ointment-p-1078.html Someone posted the website on the Moneysaving Oldstyle forum the other day and I had a nosey. In the tin it looks like this

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Dunno about black goo, but you can get white goo called Drawing Paste for pennies at the chemist - it pulls all the fluid out of the nasties in injuries and causes the bacteria to die. The proper name is Magnesium Sulphate paste. Stir it really well, apply it to the area, cover with gauze or plaster and leave overnight. I find that it can sting slightly, but it doesn't always.

belfastgirl23

I remember this too, we used it for splinters and boils (sorry if TMI ) Haven't seen it for years though.

Barneysmom

I remember that, didn't it used to be called drawing ointment? I thought it was banned?

Mojisola

Magnesium sulphate paste - cheap and effective. I always have a pot in the cupboard. It's so useful for splinters and any wounds that get infected. It's basically Epsom Salts but in a paste - no reason for it to be banned. It does separate when left for a while so, as Jojo said, always give it a good stir before using it.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I have found that certain chemists will tell you something cheap has been banned and then miraculously just happen to have a premium price alternative, heavily marketed, available. I am sure I am not the only person who has been told that Golden Eye Ointment or Brolene have been banned (and the only alternatives were to buy 3 different brands of drops which didn't work and cost a fortune) only to find them in other shops brand new and perfectly legal.

stef240377

Used to be called Black Jack think my mom still has an ancient jar in her medicine cupboard. It was withdrawn as contained something nasty and renamed but if you ask in any decent chemists for the alternative they should produce it.

pinkichiban

Magnesium sulphate's your best bet. It works well on splinters and other minor skin infections. My daughter is not very good at having splinters removed, so a little of this on the affected area covered with a plaster and by the next day the splinter has been drawn. It is not expensive either.