Despite being widely used and known in Brazil, not everyone knows what boricated water is for. And not even its contraindications.
Well known in Brazil, boricada water is a product that contains antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In short, it is a clear, colorless and odorless solution, composed of 3% boric acid, which is widely used. But, do you know what boricated water is for?
Despite being used to treat boils, conjunctivitis, among other eye problems. Improper use can cause harm to health. In fact, it is not usually recommended by doctors. Because, the acid present in its composition is not a sterile solution.
Therefore, when absorbed by the body it can cause intoxication and even skin irritation. Therefore, its sale is not available in all countries. On the other hand, in Brazil products with up to 5% boric acid can be sold without a medical prescription.
Furthermore, you can find boricated water in pharmacies, compounded or even made at home by mixing water and powdered boric acid. Finally, better understand what boricated water is for.
What is boricated water for: main ways of using it
Because it has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties, boric acid water is widely used in the treatment of some infections and inflammations caused by bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it is a solution composed of 1% to 5% boric acid. Therefore, the acid acts as a disinfectant helping to treat some diseases. Such as:
1- Conjunctivitis
Boricated water helps to alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis. Helping to de-puff and de-inflame the eyes. In addition to relieving itching. This way, you can use the solution to make compresses and wash your eyes. Therefore, you can use it 2 to 3 times a day. However, it is important that its use is under medical prescription, to avoid possible allergies or worsening eye irritation.
2- Infections in the outer ear
Likewise, boricated water is also useful for cases of external ear infections. Because it has a disinfectant function that helps eliminate viruses and bacteria that cause infections.
3- Eye irritation
If you don’t know what boric water is for, know that you can use it to relieve symptoms of eye irritation. Mainly, in cases of allergies, you can wash your eyes with boric water.
4- What boricated water is used for: Stye
Furthermore, a stye is an inflammation that occurs around the eyes when some glands become clogged or infected by bacteria. In this way, boricated water is used to alleviate symptoms such as swelling and redness in the eyes. Finally, wash your eyes with the solution 2 to 3 times a day until the inflammation goes away.
5- Minor burns
In the case of mild burns, it is recommended to use boric acid water to relieve pain and help with healing, relieving inflammation. Therefore, make compresses with cold water until symptoms improve.
6- Boils
Furthermore, the boil is a staliphococcus infection of the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, caused by the germ responsible for Staphylococcus aureus. Ultimately, the boil results in the involvement of subcutaneous cellular tissue. Therefore, for treatment it is necessary to make compresses with boric acid water.
7- What boricada water is for: Skin irritation
In cases of skin irritation, you can make compresses with cold water. This way, it will help reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
8- Candidiasis and vaginal mycosis
Boricated water is also used to treat fungal problems, such as candidiasis and vaginal mycosis. Finally, due to its antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial function, it acts to eliminate the fungus that causes the disease.
Furthermore, boric acid water also helps to contract blood vessels and reduce inflammatory secretions. Therefore, the ideal is to apply it externally or apply it locally.
What is boricated water for: contraindication
When people ask what boricated water is for, the first thing we think of is for eye treatments. After all, the solution is widely used in the treatment of conditions. However, boric acid water is not specially developed for ophthalmological use.
Therefore, inappropriate use can cause harm to health, including worsening conditions in the eye region. Furthermore, boric acid water itself can serve as a means of transferring pathogenic microorganisms to the eyes.
According to research, scholars found bacteria of the species Staphylococcus aureus, Morganella morganii, Staphylococcus sp and Staphylococcus coagulase, among others, in the solution bottles. Ultimately, this type of contamination occurs due to the time the bottle remained open and the carelessness of the user, placing the cap anywhere.
Another contraindication of the product is due to the fact that the solution is not isotonic. In other words, products for ophthalmological use need to be isotonic so as not to cause eye irritation or dry them out.
What is boricated water for: storage
Now that you know what boricated water is for and its contraindications, you need to know how to store it properly. In short, the bottle must be made of glass or opaque plastic, in addition, you must keep it properly closed.
Furthermore, it should not be exposed to light or temperatures exceeding 25ºC. Therefore, its validity period is 3 months. However, to avoid contamination, it is important that you are careful when handling the boricated water bottle.
Finally, despite being widely used for eye or skin treatments, it is important to consult a specialist before starting to use boric acid water. Excessive use or even ingestion of the product can cause poisoning and other health problems.
So, if you liked this article, you will also like this one: Thermal water – What it is, origin, function, how to use and care.
Bibliographic references:
- Standardized list of medicines subject to simplified notification. Available at:
- JOSÉ, Andrea CK; BRANCO, Bruno C.; OHKAWARA, Lilian E.; ZORAT, Maria Cecília; LIMA, Ana Luisa H. Ocular use of boricated water: handling conditions and occurrence of contamination. . . . Arch Bras Ophthalmol. Vol 70. 2 ed; 201–207,
