What is an abscess ointment?

Purulent skin inflammations such as small abscesses, pimples, nail bed inflammations, or pus-filled swellings can be uncomfortable and painful. They particularly often occur in the armpit, buttocks, or neck areas.

One of the most common skin inflammations is the skin abscess. This can usually be treated effectively with ointments approved as medicines – so-called abscess ointments. This applies especially when applied early in the development or initial stage of the abscess.

What is an abscess?

An abscess develops when pathogens, for example, enter the body through small skin injuries and wounds, such as those that can occur during shaving or improper manicures, and multiply there. The body reacts with its own defense program. To stop the multiplication of bacteria, the body separates the bacteria by forming a pus capsule at the infected site. While this prevents the spread of the infection, it also makes it difficult for healthy cells to reach the inflammatory focus and stimulate the natural healing process.

An abscess ointment can support this natural healing process and the resolution of the inflammation. However, caution is advised with an abscess and prolonged symptoms or worsening of the skin inflammation. In such a course of illness, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted. This applies especially if abscesses occur on the face.

What to do for a small abscess?

For smaller, superficial abscesses, supportive measures can be useful – but always without manipulating the affected area. For example, self-lancing can be dangerous and worsen the inflammation.

Suitable supportive measures include:

Heat applications such as moist-warm compresses or red light to promote blood circulation
Abscess ointments that promote maturation and opening to the outside
Rest and clean covering of the area to prevent further germs

A spontaneous rupture of the abscess with pus discharge can provide relief, but should be hygienically managed and disinfected, and medically checked if in doubt.

When is medical help necessary?

Not every abscess can be managed alone. Medical clarification is strongly recommended if:

the abscess grows rapidly or is very painful
fever, chills, or a general feeling of illness occur
the inflammation is on the face, in the genital area, or near joints
red streaks become visible on the skin
a chronic illness such as diabetes mellitus exists
or the immune system is weakened

In a doctor’s office, a small surgical opening is often performed to drain the pus. In certain cases, antibiotics are also prescribed.

Abscesses are common, but by no means harmless, skin inflammations. Early treatment with appropriate measures can alleviate symptoms. If swelling increases, severe pain, or general symptoms occur, medical advice should be sought promptly without hesitation.

The herbal ointment with tradition

For centuries, people in Tyrol have valued the healing power of nature, especially the effect of larch resin. The essential oil contained in larch resin is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties – a traditional home remedy for skin inflammations that has been passed down from generation to generation.

In 1929, traditional knowledge was used to develop a herbal medicine that is still used today. ilon Classic Ointment combines carefully selected natural active ingredients into a unique formula.

The contained herbal active complex – with larch balsam (also called larch turpentine), extracted from larch resin, as well as essential oils of maritime pine and eucalyptus – is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is suitable for use in skin inflammations such as smaller abscesses – proven to be herbal and traditional.

Formerly ilon Abscess Ointment.
Now ilon Classic.

The original and long-standing name of the ointment – ilon Abszess-Salbe – also developed from its application area for abscesses.

To reflect its broader spectrum of application, which extends far beyond abscesses and covers various forms of skin inflammation, ilon Abszess-Salbe was renamed ilon Classic in Germany on September 15, 2014.

In pharmacies, ilon Classic is still often referred to as ilon Abszess-Salbe due to its long-standing name and used as a synonym for an abscess ointment for the effective but gentle treatment of purulent skin inflammations.

Versatile – for common everyday inflammations

ilon Classic is suitable for the supportive treatment of various local skin inflammations – from painful redness in the nail area to pimples on the buttocks. The herbal ointment can also be used on sensitive skin areas, such as for razor bumps in the intimate area.

Smaller abscesses1, i.e., localized collections of pus under the skin, can be specifically treated with the proven herbal active complex. The ointment helps to bring the pus to the skin surface – allowing the inflammation to drain and heal naturally in due course.

ilon Classic belongs in every medicine cabinet – and is used whenever the skin reddens, tightens, swells, or a small purulent inflammation appears.

Why is ilon Classic green?

ilon Classic has a green-transparent color – typical for this herbal medicine. The hue results from natural ingredients, particularly chlorophyll, which comes from plant extracts.

Despite its green color, the ointment is barely visible on the skin. It leaves only a delicate film – pleasant on the skin and without residues on clothing or bedding, as it can be easily wiped and washed off.

Its subtle, fresh scent is naturally created by the essential oils it contains, especially from eucalyptus, maritime pine, and larch turpentine – and subtly underlines the herbal character of the application in a soothing way. Thus, ilon Classic combines the power of proven plant extracts with an application that is subtle and pleasant.

To view the package leaflet, please select the website for the relevant country.

Pimples, skin inflammations, small abscesses?¹

ilon Classic, also known as the “green drawing ointment,” contains a herbal active complex with the power of Tyrolean larch balsam. It acts

antibacterially
anti-inflammatory
promotes blood circulation

and thus helps to gently resolve inflammations from the skin.

What makes ilon Classic so special?

Herbal ingredients: Natural healing powers for the skin.
Pleasant application: The barely visible film gently covers the inflamed area.
Subtle scent: Eucalyptus oil provides a fresh, pleasant fragrance.

Abscesses in the Skin Guide:

Abscesses in the Skin Journal:

All 8

All 8 /Abscess 1 /Acne 0 /Acne vulgaris 0 /after shave 0 /anti-inflammatory foods 0 /Atopic Dermatitis 0 /bacterial skin inflammation 0 /beautiful hands 0 /Bike tour 0 /Blackheads 0 /blemished skin 0 /Body 0 /Boils 1 /Care products 0 /Cleansing 0 /Comedogenic 0 /Complexion 0 /Contact Allergy 0 /Cortisol Level 0 /Cosmetics 0 /Cuticle 0 /Diaper dermatitis 0 /Drawing ointment 0 /dry hands 0 /Dry Shave 0 /Eczema 0 /Epidermis 0 /Experts 0 /Face 0 /Facial care 0 /Facial skin 0 /Fine Lines 0 /Finger Infections 0 /Foot 0 /Friction 0 /Hair follicle inflammation 0 /Hair removal 0 /hand care 0 /hand cream 0 /healthy skin 0 /Home remedies 0 /inflammation 0 /Intertrigo 0 /intimate shaving 0 /irritated skin 0 /Itching 0 /Itchy skin 0 /Make-up 0 /Mindfulness 0 /Nail care 0 /Nutrition 0 /Pimples 5 /Pimples on the buttocks 1 /Plan bike tour 0 /Popping Pimples 1 /Prevent blackheads 0 /Products 0 /Protective barrier 0 /purulent wound 1 /Pus 1 /Pus-filled pimples 1 /Razor bumps 1 /razor burn 0 /Relaxation 0 /sensitive 0 /Sensitive Skin 0 /shaving 0 /shaving properly 0 /Skin 0 /Skin ageing 0 /skin barrier 0 /Skin Care 0 /Skin cleansing 0 /Skin functions 0 /Skin health 0 /Skin Infection 0 /Skin inflammation 0 /skin irritation 0 /Skin itches 0 /Skin protection 0 /Skin Rash 0 /Skin renewal 0 /Skin sensitives 0 /Skin type 0 /Skincare Routine 0 /Slowing Down Skin Aging 0 /smooth skin 0 /Sports 0 /Strawberry legs 0 /Stress 0 /Stressed skin 0 /Sunburn 0 /Swollen toe 0 /Tattoo care 0 /tattooed skin 0 /Tips 0 /Tips for pimples 1 /UV rays 0 /washing hands 0 /Wet Shave 0 /what helps with eczema 0 /Winter 0 /Wound 0 /Wound Healing 0 /Wrinkles 0 /Zinc ointment 0

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¹ For deeper abscesses and boils, it is important to consult a doctor who will professionally open and treat the abscess to ensure safe healing.

ilon® Classic Ointment. Active ingredients: larch turpentine, turpentine oil (maritime pine type), eucalyptus oil. A traditional herbal medicinal product for the treatment of mild, localised, purulent skin inflammation, such as small pus-filled nodules, inflamed hair follicles and inflamed sweat glands, based solely on long-standing use. Contains butylhydroxytoluene. (Information as of December 2024)

For information on risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Flugstraße 11, 76532 Baden-Baden

What is an abscess ointment?

What is an abscess?

What to do for a small abscess?

The herbal ointment with tradition

Formerly ilon Abscess Ointment. Now ilon Classic.

Versatile – for common everyday inflammations

Why is ilon Classic green?

Pimples, skin inflammations, small abscesses?1

Abscesses in the Skin Guide:

Abscesses in the Skin Journal:

Pimples on the buttocks, back, or scalp

Black pimple: Have you ever heard of it?

A boil on the face—what can I do?

Popping Pimples – Yes or No?

Shaving Without Pimples—Here’s How!

What is pus? What does it consist of? Tips for management

Blemished skin – these tips really help

What to do about pimples and when pimples become pus-filled?

Formerly ilon Abscess Ointment.
Now ilon Classic.

Pimples, skin inflammations, small abscesses?¹