Magnesium Sulfate Paste 50g (Brand May Vary)
£4.69
Ship in 1-3 days
Magnesium Sulfate Paste is a traditional drawing paste used to help treat boils, carbuncles, and minor skin infections. This time-tested remedy works by drawing out infection and reducing inflammation, helping to bring boils to a head so they can drain naturally. The paste contains magnesium sulfate along with glycerol and phenol to provide antiseptic properties whilst maintaining the skin’s moisture. Suitable for adults and children, this drawing paste offers a gentle yet effective approach to managing troublesome skin infections.
Description
Magnesium Sulfate Paste 50g (Brand May Vary)
Magnesium Sulfate Paste is a traditional drawing paste used to help treat boils, carbuncles, and minor skin infections. This time-tested remedy works by drawing out infection and reducing inflammation, helping to bring boils to a head so they can drain naturally. The paste contains magnesium sulfate along with glycerol and phenol to provide antiseptic properties whilst maintaining the skin’s moisture. Suitable for adults and children, this drawing paste offers a gentle yet effective approach to managing troublesome skin infections.
How It Works
Magnesium sulfate paste works as an osmotic agent, drawing fluid and infection out of boils and similar skin conditions. The magnesium sulfate creates a drawing action that helps bring the infection to the surface, encouraging natural drainage and healing. The glycerol helps to keep the skin moisturised and prevents the paste from drying out completely, whilst the phenol provides mild antiseptic properties to help prevent further infection. This combination helps to reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and promote the natural healing process.
Directions for Use
Clean the affected area gently with warm water and pat dry. Apply a thick layer of magnesium sulfate paste directly to the boil or infected area. Cover with a sterile dressing or plaster and secure in place. Leave the dressing in place for several hours or overnight. Remove the dressing and gently clean away the paste with warm water. Reapply fresh paste and a new dressing as needed, typically once or twice daily. Continue treatment until the boil comes to a head and begins to drain, or as directed by your pharmacist. Do not squeeze or pierce the boil. If the condition does not improve after a few days of treatment, consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Active Ingredients
Each gram of paste contains:
- Magnesium sulfate (drawing agent)
- Glycerol (moisturising agent)
- Phenol (mild antiseptic)
Possible Side Effects
Most people can use magnesium sulfate paste without experiencing side effects. However, some people may experience:
- Mild skin irritation or redness at the application site
- Temporary stinging or burning sensation when first applied
- Skin dryness around the treated area
- Allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals
If you experience severe skin irritation, persistent redness, or signs of worsening infection, stop using the paste and consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Who Should Not Use This Product
Do not use magnesium sulfate paste if you:
- Are allergic to magnesium sulfate, phenol, glycerol, or any other ingredients in the paste
- Have broken or severely damaged skin around the affected area
- Have a deep or extensive skin infection
- Are treating an area near the eyes or mucous membranes
Consult your pharmacist before use if you have diabetes, circulatory problems, or a compromised immune system. Seek medical advice if the boil is very large, if you have multiple boils, or if you develop fever or feel unwell. Do not use on facial boils without consulting a healthcare professional first.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging. Once opened, use within the timeframe specified on the product packaging.
Important Information
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious but most of the time they are not. Do not be alarmed by the list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your PillSorted pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
If any of the following happen, stop taking the medicine and tell your pharmacist immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital:
- Allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
These are very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to the medicine. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Patient Information Leaflet
For complete information about this medicine, including detailed side effects and contraindications, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet included in the packaging or visit the Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) website.
For additional information about magnesium sulfate and skin conditions, visit the NHS website.
Reviewed by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC: 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC: 9011258). Last reviewed: April 2026.
| Brand | Generic |
|---|---|
| Class | General Sale |
