Burow's solution

History

The creator of Burow's solution was Karl August Burow (1809-1874), a military surgeon and anatomist. Burow was also the inventor of some plastic surgery and wound healing techniques which are still in wide use today.

Use

Otitis

Burow's solution may be used to treat various forms of ear infections, known as otitis. As a drug it is inexpensive and non-ototoxic. In cases of otomycosis it is less effective than clotrimazole but remains an effective treatment.

Burrow's solution was formerly available over the counter in the U.S.A. in ear-drop form under the brand names Domeboro Otic, Star-Otic, and Borofair, and routinely used on US Naval vessels. Domeboro Otic is no longer available, Borofair is prescription-only, and Star-Otic was reformulated with the brand name being reused for a different compound. Burrow's solution ear drops are as of 2025 available in the United States as a prescription item, NDC 24208-615-77, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb's Vaeleant Pharmaceuticals division.

Skin irritation

Most versions of Burow's solution can be used as a soak or compress. As an FDA approved astringent it is used for the relief of skin irritations due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, and rashes from allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, cosmetics and jewelry. This is due to the combination of two active ingredients found in this version of Burow's solution, i.e. aluminum sulfate tetradecahydrate and calcium acetate monohydrate.

The solution is used by some to reduce inflammation and potential infection from conditions such as ingrown nails, in a warm water soak.

References

References

1. (2012). "Antimicrobial effects of Burow's solution on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa". Medical Molecular Morphology.
2. [https://www.drugs.com/cdi/acetic-acid-aluminum-acetate-solution.html Drugs.com: Acetic acid/ aluminum acetate solution]
3. (October 1998). "The antibacterial activity of acetic acid and Burow's solution as topical otological preparations". The Journal of Laryngology & Otology.
4. (June 2010). "Burow's solution-induced acute sensorineural hearing loss: Report of two cases". Auris Nasus Larynx.
5. (2010). "The Encyclopedia of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery". Infobase Publishing.
6. (January 2004). "The efficacy of Burow's solution as an ear preparation for the treatment of chronic ear infections". Otology & Neurotology.
7. (Jan 2004). "The Efficacy of Burow's Solution as an Ear Preparation for the Treatment of Chronic Ear Infections". Otology & Neurotology.
8. (April 2008). "Ototopical antifungals and otomycosis: A review". International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.
9. https://www.med.navy.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1BNyvM8kPWM%3D&portalid=62%C3%97tamp=1629987297006
10. https://www.blinkhealth.com/borofair
11. ""Poolsolution's Guide to Preventing and Treating Swimmers' Ear"".
12. (2 March 2005). "Domeboro Otic".
13. "JoDrugs. Acetic Acid/Aluminum Acetate".
14. "CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21".
15. "Domeboro". U.S. National Library of Medicine.
16. "FDA".
17. "About Domeboro^® Astringent – Rash Treatment & Skin Irritation | Domeboro".
18. "Well". The New York Times.