Ozokerite Therapy for Skin Diseases: Dermatology Treatments and Benefits
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Ozokerite has been used in dermatology since 1948, when V. M. Fedotov and S. M. Pelenovskaya first applied ozokerite applications to treat patients suffering from chronic eczema. Of the 56 patients treated, 49 achieved clinical recovery or a marked improvement in the course of their disease, establishing ozokerite as an effective therapeutic tool for a range of skin conditions.
The early Fedotov and Pelenovskaya protocol began with ozokerite at a temperature of 45–50 °C, after which the temperature was gradually raised to 60 °C. This staged warming allowed the skin to adapt to the heat while the wax delivered its deep, sustained thermal effect to the affected tissue.
R. S. Braude and V. A. Agzibegova published their own observations in 1950 on the treatment of patients with chronic and seborrheic eczema and neurodermatitis. In their method ozokerite was applied as compresses laid over the affected areas of skin. The treatment produced a relatively rapid disappearance of itching and a resorption of the inflammatory infiltrate.
Which skin conditions respond to ozokerite therapy?
Ozokerite therapy has been studied across a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions. Our own research examined the therapeutic value first of crude Borislav ozokerite and then of medical-grade ozokerite produced by a newer technology, in patients with the following conditions:
- Chronic true eczema
- Seborrheic eczema
- Psoriasis (squamous lichen)
- Neurodermatitis
- Prurigo
- Atrophoderma
- Deep trichophytosis
- Furunculosis
How is ozokerite treatment individualised for each patient?
Ozokerite treatment must be strictly individualised by patient group, as reflected in this clinical work. The number of ozokerite applications was prescribed according to the diagnosis and the stage of the pathological process, so that no two treatment courses were identical.
Consistency of conditions is central to the method. Procedures were always scheduled at the same time of day and carried out under identical conditions. Where the case required it, ozokerite treatment was combined with ointment therapy to reinforce the effect.
When in the disease course is ozokerite most effective?
Ozokerite therapy proved most effective at the stage when the process transitions into an infiltrate and acute inflammatory phenomena are subsiding. Notably, itching begins to ease after the very first ozokerite applications and then disappears completely, which in turn allows patients to sleep normally and brings a general sense of calm. In deep trichophytosis a soft, elastic scar forms, and on long-term follow-up hair regrows within the boundaries of the lesion.
Treating furunculosis and hidradenitis with ozokerite
Furunculosis, being a widespread condition, is of particular interest for ozokerite therapy. Treatment was carried out in combination with pure ichthyol. Of the 76 patients observed, a group of 40 were treated by this method, with an average period of incapacity for work of 6.2 days.
The remaining 36 patients received penicillin injections in addition to the ichthyol-and-ozokerite regimen, and their average hospital stay was 5.7 days. Because the addition of penicillin did not materially change the course of the disease, ozokerite applications together with pure ichthyol are sufficient for treating isolated boils. The same treatment combination proved effective in patients with hidradenitis, producing faster resorption of the infiltrate; in some patients the infiltrate resolved without suppuration at all.
Ozokerite for erysipelas
In the acute stage of erysipelas, ozokerite applications were prescribed until the swelling disappeared, demonstrating how frequently ozokerite is used in dermatology. The recommended regimen for erysipelas combines lotions of a 10% ichthyol solution — changed every hour as they dry — with ozokerite applications at 50 °C for one hour, twice daily. This approach clears the oedema more quickly, reduces pain, and shortens the number of days the patient spends in hospital.
Healing long-standing leg ulcers
Chronic, non-healing leg ulcers respond well to dressings of medical ozokerite applied directly to the ulcer for ten days at a time. When the first dressing was changed, fresh granulations were seen filling the ulcer surface and its discharge increased. At the next change the granulations covered the entire surface while scarring began from the periphery, and the unpleasant odour that so troubles these patients almost completely disappeared.
After three dressings the ulcer usually scarred over. Throughout the course patients were allowed to move about and care for themselves fully. During their hospital stay they learned the dressing technique and, should a relapse occur, could apply the dressings themselves at home.
The attending physician, of course, decided in each case how often the dressing should be changed and prescribed additional therapeutic measures where necessary. On the basis of many years of experience treating patients with leg ulcers, and taking individual indications into account, this method of treatment can be recommended for wide adoption in practice.
