I have looked everywhere for it, but no one even knows what I’m talking about. I’m originally from Connecticut but now live in Virginia. I am hoping that because you are from Connecticut, maybe you know what I’m talking about and possibly know the actual name of the product.

I have about 1 inch of my roll left, but don’t want to use it because I may never get it again. I would love to get hold of several rolls and lock them up in a safe for future use. Thanks for any help you can provide.

DEAR READER: While I do not know the exact brand of which you are speaking, I believe that the product in question is ichthammol ointment. This product has been around for years and is typically used to treat slivers, boils and minor skin irritations, such as rashes or eczema.

The good news is that the product is still available in many pharmacies and chain stores. However, the particular product and packaging you have is likely to be old and no longer available, so you will have to do with the more modern ichthammol, which comes in small jars or tubes. The product is much easier to apply to affected areas because of its softer consistency.

DEAR READER:
This is a new treatment to me. I am not sure how sanitary it is because raw meat can harbor several organisms, such as E. coli. I cannot argue with results though. However, I recommend anyone who tries this remedy be prepared to face any consequences that may develop. Eating raw or undercooked meat can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and several potentially serious conditions. In much the same way, these organisms may be able to enter the body through an open wound.

From the poison in her body she develops large boils. They primarily occur under her breasts and armpits but can pop out anywhere. They are incredibly painful and she only experiences relief when the boils come to a head and burst.

Is there anything that will help her?

DEAR READER:
Toxemia during pregnancy is caused by metabolic disturbances in the mother’s body. This results in preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and fluid retention) and fully developed eclampsia (high BP, edema, seizures, and coma). The only treatment is birth of the child, after which symptoms disappear.

Because of this, I doubt that your sister’s current problem is related to her pregnancy 50 years ago. Boils are usually caused by bacteria, the most common being staphylococcus. Bacteria thrive in dark moist areas such as the underarm and breasts.

Boils generally develop under the skin, eventually forming a “head” which can burst or be punctured to allow the pus to drain. The process can be quite painful primarily due to the size of the boils which are often quarter-sized or larger.

I urge your sister to speak to her physician and request a swab of the boil which can be analyzed to determine the cause. In most cases, a course of antibiotics will solve the problem. It is also important to have good hygiene; bathing with antibacterial soap daily and keeping the skin dry can prevent most outbreaks. Tell your sister to switch to a soap such as Dial and to dry thoroughly after bathing. She can also apply powder to infection-prone areas to ensure they stay clean and dry.

Give my answer to your sister and let me know what happens.