aluminum acetate

Aluminum acetate is a topical astringent and antiseptic used primarily for the temporary relief of minor skin irritations such as those caused by insect bites, poison ivy/oak/sumac exposure, athlete’s foot, and rashes from soaps or cosmetics. It works by shrinking body tissues and drying out wet or weeping lesions through its astringent action. Aluminum acetate is available over-the-counter in powder form to be mixed with water or as ready-to-use solutions. Its mechanism of action involves protein precipitation on the skin surface leading to reduced inflammation and exudation[1][3][8]. It is not systemically absorbed when used topically.

Brand names

DomeboroGordon’s Boro-PacksPedi-BoroBoro-PacksPedi-Boro SoakStar-Otic

Other names

Burow’s solutionacetic acid aluminum saltaluminium ethanoate