Burow's Solution Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity of Weak Solutions of Aluminum Salts

It was as early as 1857 that Burow 1 first recommended a weak solution of aluminum acetate as a wet dressing for the treatment of numerous cutaneous diseases. He had previously learned from a chemist that this aluminum salt preserved certain organic materials used in the manufacture of sugar. Since Pasteur's classical discoveries were made between 1860 and 1865, Burow could not have known that the pharmacological effectiveness of aluminum acetate depended even in part on antibacterial action. By the early part of the twentieth century, Burow's solution was frequently used in the treatment of diseases of bacterial origin, such as furunculosis. 2 In more recent years, the antibacterial property of Burow's solution is seldom mentioned in the literature, and its pharmacological effect is attributed to astringent and buffer action. Kionka 3 reported that a 20% solution of a mixture of aluminum lactate and tartrate killed streptococci in 5 minutes.

Antibacterial activity of weak solutions of aluminum salts.

It was as early as 1857 that Burow 1 first recommended a weak solution of aluminum acetate as a wet dressing for the treatment of numerous cutaneous diseases. He had previously learned from a chemist that this aluminum salt preserved certain organic materials used in the manufacture of sugar. Since Pasteur's classical discoveries were made between 1860 and 1865, Burow could not have known that the pharmacological effectiveness of aluminum acetate depended even in part on antibacterial action. By the early part of the twentieth century, Burow's solution was frequently used in the treatment of diseases of bacterial origin, such as furunculosis. 2 In more recent years, the antibacterial property of Burow's solution is seldom mentioned in the literature, and its pharmacological effect is attributed to astringent and buffer action. Kionka 3 reported that a 20% solution of a mixture of aluminum lactate and tartrate killed streptococci in 5 minutes.

The Use of Boric Acid in

The last decade has seen the development of a large number of therapeutic agents for use in skin diseases. Some are highly potent and specific and when applied for a particular bacterial infection are more effective than any other agent. The nonspecificity of the vast majority of dermatidides, their nature being influenced perhaps more by the host reaction than by the nature of the insulting agent, has, however, prevented truly great strides in the development of highly specific skin therapeutic measures. Most dermatologists still find wet dressings, soaks, heat and cold, and protection extremely important components of their armamentarium. Among the oldest and most widely used chemical agents in the administration of these therapeutic procedures are boric acid and aluminum acetate (Burow's solution). As far back as 1702, Homberg prepared boric acid and called it ``sal sedativum.'' Since the compound has no internal sedative effect, it

A medical treatment for stasis ulcers.

Chronic, nonspecific ulcers of the leg, commonly called stasis ulcers or varicose ulcers, have presented a difficult therapeutic problem for many years. Some of the medicaments and treatments that we have used are Unna's paste bandages, adhesive dressings, scarlet red ointment, chlorophyll preparation ointment (Chloresium), vitamin A ointment, vitamin D ointment, vitamin A and D ointment, ultraviolet light, dry heat such as an incandescent bulb under a wire cradle, x-rays in small doses (5 r at a time), ammoniated mercury ointment, gentian violet solution (aqueous and alcoholic), pantothenyl alcohol (Panthenol) ointment, aluminum acetate (Burow's) solution, boric acid solution and ointment, and occlusion, ligation, and stripping of veins by competent surgeons; none has offered more than fair results. Streptokinase-streptodornase (Varidase) and trypsin (Tryptar) have been used to clear the ulcers of crusts and detritus, but otherwise were not helpful. Antibiotic ointments were no more effective than other bactericidal ointments and solutions.

A New Burow's Solution

A New Burow's Solution

The Lead Content of Burow's Solution

The Lead Content of Burow's Solution