MERCURIAL OINTMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Mercurial ointment is a topical medication that contains mercury as its active ingredient. It is typically used for the treatment of skin conditions or ailments like scabies or lice infestation. The ointment is composed of a base, such as petroleum jelly or lanolin, along with a certain percentage of mercurial compounds.
Mercury, a heavy metal known for its toxic properties, has been historically used in medicinal preparations for its antiparasitic and antimicrobial effects. Mercurial ointments work by inhibiting or killing parasites and microorganisms that may be causing the skin condition. However, due to the potential toxicity of mercury, the use of mercurial ointments has significantly declined in recent times in favor of safer alternatives.
When applied to the affected areas of the skin, mercurial ointment is usually gently massaged in so that the active ingredient can penetrate and exert its effects. It is typically recommended to use mercurial ointment sparingly and for a limited duration under the guidance of a healthcare professional, given the potential risks associated with mercury exposure.
It is important to note that the use of mercurial ointment should be strictly supervised and monitored to avoid excessive absorption of mercury into the body, as it can lead to mercury poisoning and adverse effects on health.
Common Misspellings for MERCURIAL OINTMENT
- nercurial ointment
- kercurial ointment
- jercurial ointment
- mwrcurial ointment
- msrcurial ointment
- mdrcurial ointment
- mrrcurial ointment
- m4rcurial ointment
- m3rcurial ointment
- meecurial ointment
- medcurial ointment
- mefcurial ointment
- metcurial ointment
- me5curial ointment
- me4curial ointment
- merxurial ointment
- mervurial ointment
- merfurial ointment
- merdurial ointment
Etymology of MERCURIAL OINTMENT
The word "mercurial ointment" has an interesting etymology:
- "Mercurial" is derived from the Latin word "mercurialis", which refers to the planet Mercury. In Roman mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods and the god of commerce, travel, and thieves. The term "mercurial" came to be associated with the planet since it seemed to move swiftly in the sky.
- "Ointment" comes from the Old French word "oignement", which was derived from the Latin word "unguentum". It refers to a soft, oily substance used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.
Therefore, "mercurial ointment" combines the association with the planet Mercury, known for its swiftness, with the term "ointment" to describe a medicinal substance containing the element of mercury.
Similar spelling words for MERCURIAL OINTMENT
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