Egoderm Ointment

Egoderm Ointment is a topical ointment formulated with ichthammol 1%, zinc oxide, and salicylic acid, sold under the Ego brand and distributed in Malaysia as an over-the-counter product available without a doctor’s prescription. Ichthammol is a sulfonated shale-oil derivative that has been used in topical dermatological preparations for many years, and it is combined here with zinc oxide, a mineral compound long used in skin-protectant ointments, and salicylic acid, a keratolytic agent.

The ointment is supplied in a 25g tube, a compact pack size suited to targeted application on small areas of skin rather than large-scale body use. As an ointment rather than a cream, its base is generally thicker and more occlusive, which affects how it feels on the skin and how long it remains on the surface of an applied area compared with a lighter cream formulation.

Ichthammol has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to its sulfur-containing compounds, and it has traditionally been included in topical preparations for minor, localised skin irritation. Zinc oxide acts as a mild astringent and forms a physical barrier over the treated area, while salicylic acid works as a keratolytic agent, helping to loosen the bonds between built-up dead skin cells so that thickened or scaly skin can shed more evenly.

Together, these three ingredients are formulated into an occlusive ointment base, which sits on the skin’s surface for longer than a cream and can help reduce moisture loss from the treated area while the active ingredients act locally at the site of application.

Clean and dry the affected area of skin before application. Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto a clean fingertip or cotton applicator and apply a thin layer over the affected area, rubbing in gently. Wash your hands after application unless the hands are the area being treated. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes, and do not apply to broken, infected, or actively weeping skin.

Apply a thin layer of Egoderm Ointment to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed by a pharmacist or doctor. This is a topical-only product with no oral dose; do not apply more frequently than directed on the packaging.

A specific shelf-life duration for Egoderm Ointment is not independently verified; check the expiry date printed on the tube and carton and do not use the product beyond this date.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Replace the cap tightly after each use and keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Mild stinging or burning sensation on application, particularly on already irritated skin.
• Common: Temporary skin dryness or peeling at the treated site.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic skin reaction such as widespread rash, swelling, or blistering, which require the ointment to be stopped and medical advice sought.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to ichthammol, zinc oxide, salicylic acid, or any other ingredient in Egoderm Ointment.
• Not for use on broken, infected, or actively weeping skin unless directed by a healthcare professional.

• No clinically significant food interactions are known for this topical ointment.
• Using other topical products containing salicylic acid or other keratolytic agents on the same area at the same time may increase local skin irritation; space out applications and seek pharmacist advice if combining products.

• Apply only a thin layer; a small amount is enough to cover the affected area.
• Wash hands before and after application unless treating the hands themselves.
• Keep the tube cap tightly closed between uses to maintain the ointment’s consistency.
• Avoid covering the treated area tightly with occlusive dressings unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not apply to the same area as other topical products without checking compatibility first.
• Note the date you opened the tube so you can track how long it has been in use.

Precautions: Egoderm Ointment is for external use on intact skin only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes, rinsing thoroughly with water if this occurs accidentally. Use with caution on broken, cracked, or infected skin, and seek professional advice before use on infants, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, given the salicylic acid content. Do not use under airtight dressings unless a doctor has advised this specifically.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop using the ointment and seek medical advice if a rash, swelling, blistering, or worsening irritation develops. See a doctor if the treated skin does not improve after regular use, becomes more painful, or shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or discharge.