Ichthopaste
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Reviewed on Nov 05, 2023. by Dr Daniel Atkinson GP Clinical Lead Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on November 06, 2026.
Dr Daniel Atkinson

Last updated on Nov 05, 2023.

Product info

  • Ichthopaste is a medicated bandage for lichen planus containing zinc oxide and ichthammol.

  • It helps soothe your skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
  • You can wear each bandage for up to a week, so it’s useful if you struggle to remember daily treatments.

Ichthopaste Zinc oxide and Ichthammol

What is Ichthopaste?

Ichthopaste is a medicated cotton bandage that you can wear for an entire week. It’s made of a breathable cloth impregnated with a paste containing two active ingredients: zinc oxide and ichthammol. You can use Ichthopaste as the main dressing for your wound or skin condition. And to give it extra protection, you can cover it up with an occlusive bandage, a garment or even try compression therapy.[1]

Ichthopaste offers topical treatment for leg ulcers and skin conditions like chronic eczema, dermatitis, or lichen planus. Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, mouth, genitals and other areas of your body. It can cause itchy, flat-topped, purple-coloured bumps or patches on your arms, legs or body, and may also appear as white patches on your gums, tongue, or inside your cheeks.[2]

How does Ichthopaste work?

Ichthopaste is a topical treatment that helps heal and alleviate various skin conditions. Its oily formula keeps your skin hydrated by preventing moisture from evaporating. So that when you apply Ichthopaste to your skin, it creates a moist environment, helping your skin heal and providing relief from irritation and itchiness. The bandage contains ichthammol and zinc oxide, which soothe the skin and create a protective barrier.

Ichtammol has antimicrobial activity, reduces inflammation and relieves pain. It also helps control itching and boosts blood flow to your skin, which helps speed up the wound healing process.[3]

Zinc oxide is a very old remedy for treating wounds — it’s been used for about three thousand years. When you apply it to your skin, it fights germs, reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It’s great for soothing redness and irritation, clearing out debris and boosting the healing process by replenishing zinc levels in the affected area.[4]

What doses of Ichthopaste are there?

Ichthopaste is available in either individual bandage packs or cases of 12, and each pack contains bandages measuring 7.5cm x 6m. Each cotton bandage contains zinc oxide at 6.32 percent and ichthammol at 2 percent. You can wear the bandage for a full week.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Ichthopaste – Paste Bandages.
  2. nhs.uk. (2017). Lichen planus.
  3. Boyd, A.S. (2010). Ichthammol revisited. International Journal of Dermatology, 49(7), pp.757–760.
  4. Lansdown, A.B.G., Mirastschijski, U., Stubbs, N., Scanlon, E. and Ågren, M.S. (2007). Zinc in wound healing: Theoretical, experimental, and clinical aspects. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 15(1), pp.2–16
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Daniel Atkinson 312
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on November 06, 2023. Next review due on November 06, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Ichthopaste Zinc oxide and Ichthammol

How to apply Ichthopaste

There are two methods you can use to apply the bandages safely. Here are a few tips to follow:

The “pleating” method:

  1. Wrap the bandage once around your foot.
  2. Fold it back on itself to create a loose pleat on the top of your foot.
  3. Wrap it around your foot again, creating another pleat.
  4. Continue wrapping it loosely over your ankle, heel and lower leg, making pleats at each turn. Keep them slightly off-centre to avoid pressure on your tibial crest (the bony ridge you can feel on the front part of your shin, just below your knee).
  5. Trim off any extra bandage.
  6. Smooth down the paste bandage.
  7. When removing the bandage, simply unwind it instead of cutting.

The “cutting” method:

  • Alternatively, you can cut the bandage into strips before applying them to the affected areas.

Once you’ve applied the Ichthopaste bandage, it’s important to cover it with another bandage or dressing. This helps keep your clothes clean and prevents any staining.

During the healing process, swelling can occur as part of your body’s natural response. So keep this in mind when applying Ichthopaste bandages, by allowing room for swelling to happen without it becoming too tight. This helps ensure proper healing and reduces discomfort.

Do I need to patch test before application and for how long?

To make sure the product is safe for you, it’s best to do a patch test before using it. Simply cut a small piece of the bandage or stocking and place it on your back. Cover it with a dressing and leave it there for 48 hours. If you don’t notice any negative skin reactions during this time, then the bandage is safe for you to use.

How long should I use Ichthopaste for?

It’s important to listen to your clinician’s advice on how to use your treatment, as the duration can vary depending on how severe your symptoms are. You can keep one Ichthopaste bandage on your skin for up to 7 days, but it depends on your treatment plan. Sometimes you might need to change the bandage more often. Each bandage is meant for single use, so use a new bandage every time you change the dressing.

treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Daniel Atkinson 312
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on November 06, 2023. Next review due on November 06, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Ichthopaste Zinc oxide and Ichthammol

Ichthopaste isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things you should know before using it.

Here’s all the official info you need. Still concerned? Speak to our expert clinical team at any time.

Ichthopaste Zinc oxide and Ichthammol

FAQ: Ichthopaste

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Is Ichthopaste similar to other products?

Answer:
Ichthopaste bandages are similar to two other products, Viscopaste PB7 and Zipzoc. All three products are used to treat various skin conditions and leg ulcers.

Each product has a different amount of zinc oxide paste: Ichthopaste at 6.32%, Viscopaste PB7 at 10%, and Zipzoc at 20%. Ichthopaste and Viscopaste come as a cotton bandage, while Zipzoc comes as a cotton stocking. Among them, Ichthopaste is unique because it not only contains zinc oxide, but also includes 2% ichthammol as a key ingredient to soothe irritation and itching.

How is Ichthopaste different to other medications for lichen planus?

Answer:
If you’re looking for an alternative to Ichthopaste, there are many treatments available to help you manage your symptoms. The best treatment for you depends on your symptoms and where the rashes are on your body.

Creams and ointments with corticosteroids can control the rash and relieve itching. In more severe cases, your clinician might suggest steroid or antihistamine tablets, hydroxychloroquine, metronidazole, immune system-modifying tablets, or light therapy. For oral lichen planus, mouthwashes and sprays can help with symptoms like burning or sore gums.

Does Ichthopaste cause any side effects?

Answer:
Ichthopaste is unlikely to cause side effects unless you're allergic to any of its ingredients. To be safe, it's a good idea to do a patch test before using it. If your skin gets irritated or develops a rash, stop using it and ask your clinician for advice.

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